The Star 2 May 09;
I TRAVEL widely and appreciate the great outdoors of Malaysia. We truly have an array of diverse landscapes waiting to be explored, especially the mountains and river ecosystems.
However, what irks me is the rapid unsustainable development at the river riparian zones, whether they are in places like Johor, Pahang, Perak or other parts of the country.
These areas are fundamental buffer zones that form part of the greater river ecosystems, better known as wetlands, throughout the world.
The river systems in Malaysia are an integral part of the water resources. There are over 150 river systems in Malaysia, contributing more than 90% of the raw water supply source.
My concern is where is the enforcement to ensure that those who damage such resources don’t get away.
Time has taught us that floods are man-made disasters, caused by lackadaisical
planning and inertia about the importance of riparian zones and wetlands.
The end result is disastrous as floods in Kota Tinggi and Segamat, Johor, have shown.
Wanton agriculture and human settlement are part of the problem.
What makes me even more angry is the mushrooming of contractors being hired to clear the rivers of sedimentation everywhere, including the river mouths such as those of Sungai Johor and other rivers and canals in all states.
If only someone care to be pro-active enough to analyse the problems and take preventive and educational approaches, the national budget for such unsustainable works could be reduced and millions of ringgit saved.
Clearing the silt by dredging alone is a short-term answer and is costly.
Dredging changes the ecology of the area and affects marine flora and fauna while it can also cause long term erosion.
Sustainable communities all over the world do not practise this negative approach and they always look at the root cause for remedial action.
All stakeholders must be involved.
More strategies need to be evaluated and stakeholders educated.
Environmental consciousness is the critical element in laying the foundation of sustainable development.
Let us educate ourselves on the important role of these wetlands, which include the riparian zones to ensure we live in harmony with these vital natural ecosystems.
The future generation has a right to clean rivers and the rich wetland ecosystems.
The Drainage and Irrigation Department, fisheries, town planners and local authorities need to revisit the key wetlands and Ramsar (wetlands of international importance) sites and be briefed on the importance of their roles and how every Malaysian can help protect them for the benefit of all.
Kuala Selangor Nature Park (Selangor), Matang (Perak), Kinabalu wetlands (Sabah), Tanjung Piai and Kukup Island (Johor) are some of the vibrant educational centres that can assist the local authorities and relevant people to make them appreciate the value of the river ecosystems and wetlands.
We must save and protect them.
Conservation is everyone’s job, more so for the politicians and leaders.
Let’s act before our rivers and wetlands are treated as wastelands and become continuous flood zones!
There are vast materials of technical input on water resource management that needs to be carried out.
We must also cease to be “penny wise, pound foolish”.
HARBAN SINGH,
Johor Baru.
