KOTA KINABALU: The authorities are investigating possible chemical waste pollution of a river in Sabah's northern Tuaran district.

       Sabah Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Misran Bisara said a call came in from residents at Kampung Rugading on Monday (May 9) who suspected that the river had been contaminated.

       They informed the department after noticing an odd smell coming from the river at about 6pm.

       Misran said firemen and a hazardous materials (hazmat) unit went to the scene, where an Environment Department (DOE) team was also present.

       “The hazmat team took samples from the river and found the water to have a pH reading of 6.8 (indicating the presence of a weak acid).

       “However, there were also traces of chemicals listed as scheduled waste in the samples,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 10).

       Misran said the operation at the river would continue with the help of the Chemistry Department and DOE.