Xavier: Ministry will address river pollution
KUALA LUMPUR: The irresponsible attitude of residents, increased population and logging are among the factors that contribute to river pollution in Kuala Lumpur and several other areas in the country, said Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar.
He said the ministry, through its agencies, would continue to play its roles to conserve and preserve the environment.
As such, close cooperation between the ministry and state governments, as well as the ministries, is crucial to intensify efforts to educate and make the public aware of the importance of keeping the rivers clean.
They should not throw rubbish in the rivers, he said after launching World Rivers Day here yesterday.
Present was Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad.
Xavier said the most polluted rivers are in Kelantan, Pahang, Kedah and Perak and the problem is caused by logging.
Khalid said the Federal Territories Ministry was committed to continuing with the River of Life (ROL) project, expected to cost RM4 billion.
“ROL aims to change the landscape of Kuala Lumpur, improve the quality of life of riverine residents in the capital city and boost the economy.
“However, the investment will be meaningless if there is no assistance and awareness from the public to maintain (cleanliness) and appreciate our rivers.”
ROL, launched in 2011, is a pioneer project under the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley initiative and will make Kuala Lumpur a world-class city.
It is aimed at reviving Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak River within the city, transforming the banks into waterfront areas with economic and commercial value through river cleaning, beautification and land development.
Khalid urged the public to lodge reports on activities that contributed to river pollution .
He said they could do so via the “Citizen’s Eye” app which could be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play Store.