U Aung Kyaw Zan, the Rakhine State Minister of Electricity, Industry and Transportation, told this to the Rakhine State Hluttaw on September 5.

He was responding to a question raised by State Hluttaw MP U Zaw Zaw Myint from Buthidaung Constituency – 1 on what special considerations the Rakhine State government has given on the issue of the change in sea water color around Maday Island in Kyaukpyu Township.

“The significant thing is that the pH level is high. The pH level is at 8.66 and low dissolved oxygen has been found,” said Minister U Aung Kyaw Zan.

The minister added that there is no need to be concerned as aquatic animal can survive despite high level of pH and low dissolved oxygen.

State Hluttaw MP U Zaw Zaw Myint urged the state government’s response was based on the lab results from the Sittwe University’s Chemistry Department and called on the state government to quickly release the reason why it is happening.

“The government should give special consideration and release an answer first to explain why it has happened. After releasing the answer, it depends on the state government to prevent similar incidents and compensate the public who has suffered losses. The sooner the better. We have to wait and see what they will do next,” U Zaw Zaw Myint told the reporters.

The color of the Thanzit River has turned rusty since July.

The Rakhine State government said the site of the rusty-colored water is located five miles right of Maday Island deep seaport, where the China-Myanmar natural pipeline is located.

Local residents have expressed concerns over potential harm caused by the rusty-colored water as it has spread to Ann and Myebon townships.