KLANG, June 20 - Responsibility for river conservation doesn’t fall on just the authorities, but on all quarters, in order to preserve environmental sustainability, said Klang Mayor Dato’ Abdul Hamid Hussain.
He added that rivers are precious assets that are sources of water and habitats for aquatic life, and support economic, recreational and community well-being activities.
He warned that rapid urban development, population growth and irresponsible attitudes are pressuring river ecosystems.
“This growth brings negative effects to the environment, like river pollution and floods if not handled properly.
“Pollution isn’t just by the riverbanks, but in the rivers itself along its entire length,” he said when officiating the Cintai Sungai Klang event in Kapar here today.
The event, organised by the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK), aims to improve environmental awareness and encourage community involvement in Sungai Klang conservation efforts.
Around 300 participants attended the programme, including volunteers from Media Selangor Sdn Bhd, MBDK, education institutions, and residents.
Hamid said the cleanup event has been held since 2024 and is among initiatives under MBDK’s Cintai Sungai Klang Action Plan 2035.
He added that the effort is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with MBDK the first local authority to come up with an action plan specifically for river conservation.
“It is my great hope that other local authorities (come up with) plans for riverside developments for the initial stage of Sungai Klang’s cleanup,” Hamid added.
The action plan was nominated for the Malaysia Scroll of Honour Award 2025 in the Excellent Organisations in Urban Crisis Response category.
The 120km Sungai Klang spans Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Ampang, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang.