Workers clearing aquatic plants from one of the lakes in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
WORK to remove aquatic plants at two lakes in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, is almost complete, with the task at the first lake about 80% done.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir said two boats were needed to remove the aquatic plants.
He added that the lakes would be cleared by the end of this week.
StarMetro had on Feb 25 highlighted the issue of the lakes’ entire surface being covered by plants.
It was reported that the lakes resembled a field from a distance and some residents feared that outsiders unfamiliar with the area might unknowingly walk into the lake.
“We are clearing off the plants using Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) boat and another from the Selangor government.
“The plants have to be removed manually and the cost is estimated to be about RM20,000 for one lake. The cost will be borne by the contractor in charge of the lakes.
“One of the lakes is near a business centre, so we sought cooperation from businesses there to keep a lookout for new growth and alert MBPJ fast. The plants have to be removed completely.
“After the clean-up is done, MBPJ will ensure that any new plants growing in the lakes are removed quickly to prevent a repeat incident,” said Mohamad Azhan during the full board meeting yesterday.
The mayor said the overgrowth of aquatic plants was not a natural process.
“We suspect residents dumped fish and aquatic plants into the lakes.
“There are empty aquariums by the lakeside, indicating that people are releasing fish here,” he said.
MBPJ has stationed enforcement officers to patrol the park to ensure public safety until the lakes are cleaned.
“There are four enforcement officers at the park. They will keep a lookout so that people do not go near the lake which presently looks like a field.
“I want the lakes and its surrounding areas to be maintained properly.
“I have told my officers that the CCTV camera in the park must be in working condition and tree branches that are covering the lamp posts must be trimmed,” said Mohamad Azhan.
The mayor said it would take just two weeks for the plants in the lakes to populate and completely cover the surface again due to the good nutrient source there.
The mayor said MBPJ would put up signboards reminding park users on the prohibitions at the lakes and the surrounding areas.
“We will take action against those who disrupt the natural setting of the lakes,” he said.
On a different matter, the city council clarified that the cost to host the PJ Folklore Festival 2022 was RM798,000 and not RM2mil as stated earlier.
“The money spent will not yield a direct return for the city council but will benefit stakeholders such as the tourism industry.
“Hotels, food businesses and retail businesses will benefit when the city hosts international events,” said Mohamad Azhan.
