Illegal riverbank structures blamed for pollution and floods

 

The existence of hundreds of illegal structures on river reserves around the capital city has been identified as one of the main causes of water pollution, riverbank erosion, and flash floods. - BERNAMA PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: The existence of hundreds of illegal structures on river reserves around the capital city has been identified as one of the main causes of water pollution, riverbank erosion, and flash floods.

A survey by Berita Harian at several locations, including Jalan Klang Lama and Pantai Dalam, found many temporary and permanent buildings, including car wash centres, food stalls, and storage sheds, have been indiscriminately built on river reserves.

Many riverbanks are now severely damaged, and the river water has become polluted with food waste, vehicle oil, and domestic waste.

A restaurant worker near Sungai Klang, known as Suresh, 36, said the area began to be congested with illegal structures about five years ago.

"There used to be only one or two small stalls, but now the area is full of rows of stalls, storage units, and workshops. The river has become increasingly foul-smelling, and waste often gets stuck under the bridge," he said.

Meanwhile, the survey also found that some of the premises involved have been illegally connected to electricity and water supply systems, increasing the risk of fires and river pollution.

A resident of Pantai Dalam, Azman Rashid, 48, said the construction of illegal premises on river reserves has become increasingly rampant over the past few years due to a lack of firm action being taken.

"We have made complaints, but even after notices were issued, the premises continued to operate as usual. In fact, some have even expanded their premises," he said.

A resident of Jalan Klang Lama, Siti Mariam Abdul Halim, 54, said that the activity of constructing illegal premises on river reserves has been going on for a long time, but enforcement action seems to have been ineffective.

"There are food stalls, car workshops, and even rental houses built on river reserves.

When it rains heavily, the river easily overflows because the waterway is blocked.

"When it rains heavily, we live in fear as the river water rises rapidly due to the blocked flow. We worry that our houses could also be submerged," she said.

A resident who wished to be known as Amirul, 27, said the increasing encroachment onto river reserves reflects society's failure to appreciate the natural resources that ought to be protected.

Amirul, who works in the tourism sector, expressed his disappointment, saying that river pollution indirectly tarnishes Kuala Lumpur's image as a tourism destination.

"The authorities must raise awareness at the community level, particularly among the younger generation, about the importance of preserving rivers and putting an end to the culture of prioritising short-term profits alone," he said. - NST