KAJANG, July 5 — A visitor's willingness to travel from Kuala Langat to spend the weekend with his family at the Rivers For Life 2026 programme reflects the positive public response to river conservation efforts.
Private sector employee Dzulhelmi Mohamad Miskan, 32, said he learned about the programme from a family member before deciding to bring his children to the Sungai Chua Recreational Park.
The activity to remove invasive fish species provided the public with greater insight into efforts to restore the lake's ecosystem and raised awareness of the importance of protecting native fish species.
“Although it is quite a distance, I wanted to spend the weekend bringing my children here. Earlier, I watched the activity to remove invasive fish from the lake, and I think it is an excellent initiative.
“Previously, I was unaware that there were so many invasive fish species, as the only one I had heard of was the suckermouth catfish (ikan bandaraya). Programmes like this are very worthwhile because they help educate and raise awareness among the public,” he told Media Selangor.
Meanwhile, Nur Azlin Nasrina Amerudin, 31, said her family's first visit to the Sungai Chua Recreational Park unexpectedly coincided with the programme.
The wide range of activities provided parents and children with the opportunity to spend quality time together while learning about the importance of protecting the environment.
“I came here with my family for some recreation and did not expect there to be a programme like this. Without hesitation, my husband and I immediately registered our child for the colouring and batik painting activities. It was really enjoyable.
“Programmes like this are very beneficial, and I hope they can be organised more frequently because the location is close to our home and is suitable for the whole family,” she said.
The Rivers For Life programme, organised by the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), continues to serve as a platform to raise public awareness of the importance of conserving rivers and aquatic ecosystems, while also addressing the issue of invasive fish species in Tasik Sungai Chua.
MPKj Deputy President Mohd Fareez Mohd Ariss @ Mohd Hatta said the annual programme, which has been organised since 2018 under the Local Agenda 21 initiative, was held for the first time at the Sungai Chua Recreational Park and attracted around 500 participants.
