OVERALL river water quality in Malaysia saw a dip in 2025 as the number of polluted rivers increased slightly, says the Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Ministry. Worryingly, the number of ri­vers with Class III or “moderate” water quality increased from 161 (24%) in 2024 to 171 (25%) in 2025. “The sectors contributing to the deterioration of river water quali­ty are not limited to the industrial sector alone. The ministry added that it has begun taking both immediate and long-term measures to counter this worrying trend of river pollution. It said it is also reviewing regulations for water pollution control and water quality standards as a long-term strategy.

Source: The Star January 28, 2026 00:32 UTC