Onn Hafiz was disappointed to see the poor condition of rivers during his visits to several of the waterways in Johor. — Pic from Onn Hafiz’s official FB page
Populated areas of Johor Baru, Pasir Gudang given priority
AGENCIES involved in a task force to solve river pollution in Johor have started gathering information and collecting data on the matter ahead of their first meeting.
State tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said apart from the Department of Environment (DOE) and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), local authorities would also be involved in the task force that was recently formed.
He told StarMetro that the members had yet to hold their first meeting, which was expected to be held after the state assembly sitting that started on Nov 23.
Raven Kumar added that the state government viewed the matter seriously and would ensure the task force was successful in its efforts to reduce river pollution in Johor.
“This is an important issue that we will not take lightly. We have identified rivers that are polluted in Johor.
“The main thing the task force aims to do now is to find the source of pollution in our rivers and ways to mitigate the problem,” he said.
He noted that a majority of polluted rivers in Johor were those located in the Johor Baru and Pasir Gudang areas.
Raven Kumar says the task force is expected to have its first meeting soon.
“These are places that are densely populated and where most industries are located. As such, they are more vulnerable to such pollution,” he said.
In a Facebook statement on Oct 28, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said a task force would be set up to address river pollution issues in the state.
There are 14 rivers in the state with water quality categorised as polluted, he said.
“I have visited several rivers and am disappointed to see their condition. They are filled with rubbish and waste materials emitting strong stench of chemicals.
“I have told the DOE and DID, local authorities and other relevant agencies to have a task force to solve the river pollution issue in Johor immediately,” he added said in the statement.
Among polluted rivers in the state are Sungai Kempas, Sungai Buluh, Sungai Tampoi and Sungai Pandan.
Onn Hafiz also urged the public to do their part in keeping the rivers free of pollution.
“I also want Johoreans to come together in fulfilling their social responsibility with close cooperation with the state government to maintain cleanliness and health.
“I am confident that with the close cooperation of various state and Federal Government agencies, the rivers in Johor can be cleaned, thus realising the Johor Bersih agenda by 2030,” he said.
