Malaysia: Rivers may get bigger buffer zones

TASNIM LOKMAN New Straits Times 24 May 16;

KUALA LUMPUR: All rivers in the country, including those at serious risk of being severely polluted, will have a minimum buffer zone of 20m on both sides of the riverbank.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, concerned about the fate of rivers, is determined to make this happen, and the National Water Resources Council which will convene on Thursday, will hear why this is necessary.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, told the New Straits Times the woes plaguing the country’s rivers were the result of not only failure to observe regulations but insufficient laws to protect water sources.

The proposals came as good news for environmentalists and rural communities pushing for the preservation of water sources, and will compel stakeholders, including state governments, to protect rivers in their states.

Expanding the river reserves, from the minimum 10m to 20m, Wan Junaidi said, would shield rivers from pollution due to human activities.

This, he added, would serve as a filter for mud, soil and solids washed down from hills, development and construction sites, and agricultural land.

“Mud, loose sand, soil and solids cause siltation in our rivers. The silt affects rivers in many ways. It reduces water volume and turns rivers murky, like teh tarik.

“We are trying to find the best ways to better protect our rivers in line with efforts to preserve the country’s water security,” he said.

Wan Junaidi said reports from his ministry indicated that the agriculture, plantation, logging and development sectors were adversely impacting rivers in the country.

“The effect of human activities on the rivers can be clearly seen.

“This issue is the responsibity of the respective states and we have no choice but to talk to them.

“I will talk to all the states and once I have made my case, I will introduce a new set of rules.”

It is believed that Wan Junaidi will propose that states adopt practical and long-term measures, besides rigid enforcement.

States will have to work with federal authorities in preserving the environment, he said.

Wan Junaidi had told the NST that one of the initiatives to facilitate better protection of water sources was through the establishment of a Central Water Management Agency.

This agency would address all cross-jurisdictional issues between the state and the federal governments.

Wan Junaidi also said his ministry was ready to table several papers on alternative water sources to the National Water Resources Council.

The council, which is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is expected to look at underground water sources and rainfall harvesting as alternative options in ensuring the country’s water security.

Wan Junaidi said based on studies by a local university, Malaysia harvested only 15 per cent of rainwater each year.

“We have nearly nine million centimetres of rainfall nationwide every year, and only that much is caught.

“The rest goes into the ocean and results in floods. The aim is to harvest more rain and stop flooding.

“We will find out how much the infrastructure to facilitate this will cost.

“This is a new area to explore. We have been suffering and this is a start,” he said.

Wan Junaidi said his ministry would review the current distribution of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural use.

The council, he said, would explore the various options on how to best manage water resources.


Keep land along rivers in natural state, says expert
New Straits Times 24 May 16;

KUALA LUMPUR: River buffer zones must host native flora and function as habitats for fauna.
Water quality expert Dr Zaki Zainudin said this as he welcomed the proposal to have at least 20m of reserve land along rivers to counter pollution.

“The move is commendable. I hope the stakeholders will adhere to this directive if it comes into effect. The problem is while we have guidelines, many do not follow them.”

He said the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry must ensure that they were not “bald”.

“There is no use in having a buffer if the natural habitat is destroyed. It doesn’t function as a filter if it is bald,” he told the New Straits Times.

Zaki said riparian zones prevented erosion and maintained riverbank stability.

He said they acted as natural filters that removed pollutants such as solids (from erosion), ammonia, nitrate, phosphate (fertilisers) and other substances, in surface runoff.

“From what I see on the ground, besides encroachment, riparian areas are destroyed and left bald. I’m not sure whether this is due to ignorance or greed.”

Zaki said the Drainage and Irrigation Department had published river reserve guidelines but they were not imposed in all states.
He said Selangor was a good example of a state that observed the guidelines.


He said riparian areas that had already been encroached on or destroyed must be rehabilitated.

Due to the enormous scale of the destruction, he said it was not feasible for the government to undertake the work.

Instead, he said, those who were responsible for destroying or encroaching on riparian land should be required to restore them.

Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) chairman Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim also welcomed the proposal.

He said it was a good decision to focus on protecting the ecosystem as it would automatically improve aquaculture in rivers.

“This helps to protect all types of fish in our rivers. It will filter pollutants and improve the health of the river.”

Irmohizam added that the ministry should work with the National Fishermen’s Association.

“Engaging with them is the key. Their feedback will be vital in implementing the proposal as they utilise the rivers daily,” he said.

Irmohizam said fishermen, such as those who breed patin and tilapia in Sungai Pahang, were known as nelayan darat (land fishermen).

He said LKIM was ready to assist fishermen who were affected by last year’s flood and patin breeders in Temerloh who had suffered losses during the recent drought.