RM1bil requested to clean Johors polluted rivers
Nurul NazirinPublished: Feb 15, 2005 7:02 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
The Johor government has requested for RM1billion under the Ninth Malaysian Plan (2006-2010) for the cleaning up of three rivers - Sungai Skudai, Sungai Segget and Sungai Tebrau - in the state.
The Johor government has requested for RM1billion under the Ninth Malaysian Plan (2006-2010) for the cleaning up of three rivers - Sungai Skudai, Sungai Segget and Sungai Tebrau - in the state.
Contacted today, the state's Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) district engineer Kamarudin Sahibun said a total of RM400 million has been earmarked for the 35km-long Sungai Skudai.
The exact allocation for the other two rivers could not be ascertained.
The state DID has conducted a study on Sungai Skudai while the Department of Environment carried out studies on the 10km-long Sungai Segget and 30km-long Sungai Tebrau.
The studies included formulating action plans, identifying the causes of pollution and its effects on development, economy growth and residents in the surrounding areas.
It has also been proposed that the rivers retain their original form and adopt an environmental-friendly drainage system to reduce flash floods.
Following treatment, the water quality in the three rivers will be improved to 'Class 2' or consumable standards from its current 'Class 3' .
According to Kamaruddin, the bulk of the financial allocation will be used for treating the water.
Of the three rivers, he said Sungai Segget will be given prominence due to its location in the heart of the city and beautification projects are already underway.
Awareness needed
Explaining the current system in Johor Baru, the engineer said rubbish from nearby residential areas are channeled into the river and thus leading to its pollution.
"A rubbish trap could be one of the solutions as it holds the unwanted materials from the river," he added.
The problem is compounded by the restaurants and food-stalls in the vicinity, which Kamaruddin said should be relocated
Apart from these, he said another important aspect is public awareness, especially among the youth, on the importance of preserving the cleanliness of rivers.
On this note, Kamaruddin said since last year DID officers have been visiting schools on a monthly basis to educate the children about clean rivers. The department also organised the 'love our rivers' campaign last year.
"It's the attitude of our (Malaysians) people. Not only in JB," lamented the engineer.
Johor Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman has reportedly said the rivers will be cleaned up in stages starting next year
Contacted today, the state's Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) district engineer Kamarudin Sahibun said a total of RM400 million has been earmarked for the 35km-long Sungai Skudai.
The exact allocation for the other two rivers could not be ascertained. The state DID has conducted a study on Sungai Skudai while the Department of Environment carried out studies on the 10km-long Sungai Segget and 30km-long Sungai Tebrau.
The studies included formulating action plans, identifying the causes of pollution and its effects on development, economy growth and residents in the surrounding areas.
It has also been proposed that the rivers retain their original form and adopt an environmental-friendly drainage system to reduce flash floods.
Following treatment, the water quality in the three rivers will be improved to 'Class 2' or consumable standards from its current 'Class 3' .
According to Kamaruddin, the bulk of the financial allocation will be used for treating the water.
Of the three rivers, he said Sungai Segget will be given prominence due to its location in the heart of the city and beautification projects are already underway.
Awareness needed
Explaining the current system in Johor Baru, the engineer said rubbish from nearby residential areas are channeled into the river and thus leading to its pollution.
"A rubbish trap could be one of the solutions as it holds the unwanted materials from the river," he added.
The problem is compounded by the restaurants and food-stalls in the vicinity, which Kamaruddin said should be relocated
Apart from these, he said another important aspect is public awareness, especially among the youth, on the importance of preserving the cleanliness of rivers.
On this note, Kamaruddin said since last year DID officers have been visiting schools on a monthly basis to educate the children about clean rivers. The department also organised the 'love our rivers' campaign last year.
"It's the attitude of our (Malaysians) people. Not only in JB," lamented the engineer.
Johor Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman has reportedly said the rivers will be cleaned up in stages starting next year
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