KUALA LUMPUR: Environmental non-governmental organisations have commended the improvement in river quality. but called for more comprehensive measurements that include water clarity and pollutants such as plastics, heavy metals, and chemicals.
This was after Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced in Dewan Rakyat that the percentage of "clean" rivers has increased from 61 per cent in 2019 to 72 per cent in 2023.
EcoKnights president Amlir Ayat raised concerns over the Water Quality Index (WQI) used by the Department of Environment (DoE) in determining the cleanliness classification for rivers.
According to the Environmental Quality Report 2023, the WQI is based on six key parameters: pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and ammoniacal nitrogen (AN).
However, Amlir highlighted the exclusion of other critical parameters like turbidity, heavy metals, chemicals, and plastics.
"Plastics are a growing concern and require more attention since they may enter our food chain, not only directly through water consumption but also through freshwater and marine produce such as fish, molluscs, and prawns.
"Some pesticides or new chemicals have also entered our water systems which are not considered in the WQI," he added.
Amlir also highlighted the importance of frequent and diverse monitoring methods to ensure data reliability.
"To be credible and reliable, the monitoring should be conducted at different times during the month or even the week.
"The quality during weekends may differ significantly from weekdays. Similarly, one may see variations between dry and wet days or seasons," he said.
Nevertheless, Amlir said the improvements reflect growing public awareness of sustainable water management and individual actions.
"The results of the monitoring are significantly an improvement and encouraging."
Ecological Association of Malaysia (PEM) president Prof Ahmad Ismail echoed the need for broader assessment criteria.
"The water quality parameters must also consider plastic waste and microplastics, as the threat of microplastic pollution is gaining global attention, in addition to the usual parameters," he said.
Ahmad also suggested enhancing the DoE's monitoring efforts.
"The DoE may need to increase sampling stations as required to provide accurate data on river water quality and inputs from human activities," he said.
In response, Nazmi said the government is working to expand WQI's parameters to better address these "emerging pollutants."
"We are looking at increasing parameters for WQI moving forward as part of strengthening the Environmental Quality Monitoring Programme (EQMP)," he said.
"This is an ongoing effort as they are relatively new identified pollutants," Nazmi explained.