WATER quality tests conducted after a hydrochloric acid spill near Cherating have shown no indication of environmental contamination, providing reassurance that swift emergency action helped prevent a potentially serious ecological threat to nearby mangrove wetlands and the Cherating River.
The Department of Environment (DOE) said monitoring teams carried out water sampling and pH testing at multiple locations close to the spill site after an acid-laden tanker lorry overturned near the Cherating Bridge on Friday.
Sinar Harian cited that the department saying that tests were conducted at three locations within the mangrove area before the waterway enters the Cherating River, approximately 100 metres from the scene of the accident.
"Water testing was conducted at three locations in the mangrove area before entering the Cherating River, located approximately 100 metres from the incident site, and found the pH reading to be normal at pH 6.
"Monitoring of pH readings using YSI equipment in the Cherating River found the river water pH reading to be pH 9.4, indicating there was no acid contamination," the department said in a statement.
The findings suggest that the hydrochloric acid did not significantly affect the river system despite initial concerns that the chemical had flowed into nearby mangrove swamps following the crash.
The department also credited the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department with successfully containing the situation by sealing a venting line at the rear section of the tanker, preventing a larger volume of hazardous material from escaping.
"The estimated spill was approximately 1,000 litres and has been neutralised using soda ash. No further leakage was detected," the statement said.
Authorities stressed that the incident remains under close scrutiny and warned that any party found responsible for releasing pollutants in breach of environmental laws could face enforcement action.
According to the department, any discharge of pollutants resulting in environmental contamination and found to contravene provisions under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 will be thoroughly investigated.
Should any non-compliance with the legislation be established, firm enforcement measures will be taken against those responsible.
The department said it would continue carrying out regular monitoring at the accident site and surrounding areas to ensure no delayed pollution impacts emerge and to verify that all clean-up and containment measures are fully implemented in accordance with regulatory requirements.
The spill occurred after a tanker lorry carrying hydrochloric acid overturned in Cherating on Friday morning. The driver was reported injured in the accident, while part of the chemical load escaped and flowed into a nearby mangrove ecosystem, prompting an immediate emergency response from environmental and rescue authorities. - June 14, 2026
