Control pollution to keep Sungai Klang clean, local councils told

The Star

2 days ago

Sungai Klang passes through five local authorities. — Filepic
LOCAL councils that border or have parts of Sungai Klang passing through their jurisdictions must prioritise pollution control to preserve the river's ecological health, an exco member says.
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim urged all local authorities with waterways feeding into Sungai Klang to tackle sources of pollution, including industrial waste within their boundaries.
'We can achieve a clean Sungai Klang if all local councils implement effective pollution control measures.
'It must be done to protect aquatic life, safeguard water resources and ensure long-term sustainability of the ecosystem,' Ng said at a press conference after launching the 'Love Sungai Klang' mini convention at Bukit Raja Hall in Klang.
He said it was necessary for Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), Subang Jaya City Council, (MSBJ), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to address sources of pollution. Ng says concerted effort needed from all local councils.
'Most of the floating rubbish end up downstream through Klang Royal City Council's (MBDK) borders.
'We cannot leave it to MBDK alone to deal with river pollution, a concerted effort is needed.'
The 120km Sungai Klang flows from Hulu Gombak to the Straits of Malacca near Port Klang.
Within MBDK's administrative area, the river passes five housing areas and 11 villages.
Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said 'Love Sungai Klang' was a community-based programme aimed at involving riverside residents in the clean-up.
'We have involved all communities living along Sungai Klang, even school students,'
SMK Methodist ACS Klang teacher Geetha Arunasalam, who attended the event with four students, said it helped to create awareness among the younger generation.
SK (1) Simpang Lima teacher Kavita Subramaniam, who brought four pupils, said recycling was a priority.