KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — Sungai Klang has the potential to be transformed into a recreational swimming spot if restoration and conservation efforts are carried out continuously and comprehensively, said Sahabat Sungai Malaysia president Prof Datuk Seri Zaini Ujang.
He said that river bathing is not merely a recreational activity but could also serve as a new indicator for assessing the cleanliness of rivers in the country.
“People used the river for bathing every day, morning and evening. Back then, it was essential.
"Now, it is time we use river bathing as a way to measure our rivers’ cleanliness,” Zaini told the press after appearing as a panellist at the 'Bila Kita Boleh Mandi Sungai Klang' forum organised by Sahabat Sungai Malaysia in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia today.
He added that using 'bathable or not bathable' as a benchmark is easier for the public to understand than the biochemical indicators commonly employed to classify rivers.
Efforts to make Sungai Klang and Sungai Langat people-friendly, clean, and suitable for water recreational activities require commitment and cooperation from all parties.
“We need to identify the sources of pollution and address them effectively. At the same time, make the riverbanks more appealing and safe for people,” Zaini said.
The responsibility to protect rivers begins at home, with households ensuring that drainage systems and septic tanks are well-maintained and properly connected to public sewerage systems.
He also shared his experiences from a recent visit to several major European cities, where river bathing was used as a new indicator of water cleanliness.
Zaini noted that clean rivers not only benefit local residents but also have the potential to become tourist attractions.
“When our rivers are clean, people will come not just to bathe but also to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. Well-preserved rivers could become some of the country’s top tourist attractions,” he said.
