NRES to Strengthen Mining Activity Monitoring To Prevent Pollution - Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) will strengthen monitoring of mining activities, particularly in waste management, as part of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure such activities are carried out in a more regulated and sustainable manner.

Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who is also performing the duties of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said the move is crucial to ensure all mining operators comply with strict waste management regulations to prevent pollution.

“This enhanced monitoring is part of our new SOPs. We will focus on how operators manage waste generated from mining activities,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 for NRES in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Johari also said the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) are currently investigating the recent river pollution incident in Sungai Perak that went viral on social media.

“I have always stressed that since Malaysia is still gaining experience in mining operations, we must continue learning, improving, and strengthening our SOPs for investors.

“In the case of Sungai Perak, both JMG and DOE are investigating the source of the pollution,” he said.

On Oct 21, photos of Sungai Perak near the Kampung Sungai Papan Bridge, about five kilometres north of Kampung Air Ganda in Gerik, appeared blue, went viral on social media.

Yesterday, DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the department had identified three mining operations in the upper reaches of Sungai Perak in Gerik -- one rare earth element (REE) mine and two tin mines.

He said water samples from the area have been collected for investigation, and the department is awaiting analysis results from JMG.

Meanwhile, Johari said the National Climate Change Bill is expected to be tabled during the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament next year, with the draft currently being reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“Once enacted, the bill will serve as a legal framework to mainstream climate change agenda, whether through mitigation actions, adaptation, or both.

“It will also act as a legislative instrument to address climate change through comprehensive regulatory policies and reporting mechanisms, ensuring the nation’s growth remains sustainable and resilient against its impacts,” he said.

-- BERNAMA