KLANG, Aug 4 — Sungai Klang conservation efforts have been further enabled with a RM1.75 million sponsorship to ensure the continuous operation of the Interceptor 002 cleaning vessel managed by Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB).
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said RM1.5 million was provided by Affin Group and RM250,000 was given by MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Bhd to support cleanup of the river.
“River cleanup is very important to ensure water quality, in addition to being important to flood mitigation efforts and raw water supply,” he said.
He added that the Interceptor 002 is not just a technological asset, but a symbol of the state government’s commitment to resolve waste pollution, especially that of plastic, in a continuous and effective manner.
“Since 2016, over 95,000 metric tonnes of floating waste have been collected and there seems to be no end. The Interceptor represents our earnest effort to find a comprehensive solution to address the pollution in Sungai Klang, which is one of the main rivers in the state.
“With initiatives such as the Interceptor 002, we are not only cleaning the river, but preparing a strong foundation for an economic model based on sustainability and innovation,” he said.
Izham added that the units were lent by The Ocean Cleanup, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in the Netherlands, at no cost.
“They lent them to us initially so we didn’t have to pay for the Interceptors, but after a while they saw that we were serious and handed them over to us at an estimated cost of €600,000, or RM3 million each.
“To date, we own two units and will receive another, but operational costs for waste collection and disposal need funds too, which is what is sponsored by corporate parties,” he said.
Izham expressed his appreciation for the active participation of NGOs in the initiative, and encouraged more parties, especially the private sector, to support the river conservation agenda.
“I am heartened to see NGOs participate, and hope more parties come forward to sponsor or directly contribute to this effort,” he told reporters after the launch of the Selangor Maritime Gateway Interceptor 002 project strategic cooperation at the Pengkalan Batu public park here today.
Earlier, Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin officiated the event, accompanied by Deputy Economy Minister Dato’ Hanifah Hajar Tain and Klang Mayor Dato’ Abdul Hamid Hussain.
The Interceptor, a technological initiative by The Ocean Cleanup, can capture up to 100 tonnes of floating waste before they reach the sea.
The Interceptor 002 started operating in August 2019, with the Interceptor 005 produced in the design series of the third generation of this technology.
