Toxic chemicals found in KL rivers

Toxic chemicals found in KL rivers

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Toxic chemicals including cyanide have been found in several rivers which supply water to Malaysia's southern state of Johor and neighboring Singapore, a report said on Thursday.

Other industrial chemicals detected over the past decade include ammonia and mercury, the head of the Johor state water authority was quoted by The Sun newspaper as saying.

Che Khatib Mohamad Nor said on Wednesday that dumping of industrial waste and chemicals into rivers in the state had lately become rampant and had forced temporary shutdowns at treatment plants.

One of the largest plants, which also supplies some water to Singapore, had to be shut down at least twice a month, at times for up to 10 days, Che Khatib was quoted as saying.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad urged Malaysians to look after rivers "like we take care of our lovers" and to make sure they are always beautiful.