Three Perak mining companies can restart after water pollution probe, authorities warn strict compliance is required
IPOH: Three mining companies in Perak have been allowed to resume operations after a suspension linked to the Sungai Perak water turning blue.
State Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the decision took effect from January 13 following a comprehensive investigation by authorities.
“When the companies were temporarily suspended earlier, it was to allow a thorough investigation to be carried out to determine the cause of the water in the river turning blue,” he said.
Saarani stated the probe examined potential violations of standard operating procedures by the involved companies.
He said the relevant technical departments were satisfied with their findings, permitting the operations to restart.
The minister was speaking after attending the Perak Integrity and Anti-Corruption Convention 2026 and a state-level clean programme launch.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability had initially suspended the three firms on November 19.
The Department of Mineral and Geoscience issued the order for non-compliance with mining operation approval letters.
The suspension followed inspections and water sampling after pollution complaints in several Hulu Perak rivers last October.
Saarani warned the state government would take firm action against any future non-compliance in mining activities.
He emphasised that public health and safety would be prioritised over mining revenue if violations are proven.
“All parties must comply with regulations to ensure that incidents such as this do not recur,” he said.
The Sun Malaysia