1-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Klang River, once notorious for its severe pollution, is now on a path to redemption as extensive revitalization efforts take place. Leading the charge is Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB), the master developer appointed by the Selangor state government to rejuvenate and breathe new life into the Klang River.
Spearheading the cleanup operations, LLSB has made significant strides in removing riverine debris. According to Syaiful Azmen Nordin, the managing director of LLSB, an astounding 87,682 tonnes of rubbish have been extracted from the river since 2019 until June of this year.
“Our approach to cleaning up the river involves the implementation of various river cleaning infrastructure, including the installation of seven log booms along the river stretch,” explained Syaiful Azmen. “Additionally, we have deployed two units of the Interceptor, strategically positioned at different locations along the river.”
The Interceptor, a solar-powered river cleaning machine, is the brainchild of The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating plastic pollution from the world’s oceans. The two units, known as Interceptor 002 and Interceptor 005, have been stationed behind Masjid Bandar Diraja Klang and near Jambatan Parang in Port Klang, respectively.
“The first unit has been operational since 2019, while the second unit was deployed in 2021,” Syaiful Azmen shared. He further explained that the initial unit was sponsored by The Ocean Cleanup, with maintenance costs covered by Westports Malaysia. LLSB takes care of the maintenance of the second unit, named Interceptor 005. Interestingly, British rock band Coldplay has sponsored this unit, coinciding with their upcoming concert in Kuala Lumpur scheduled for November.
The sponsorship received by Interceptor 005 from Coldplay reflects the band’s commitment to philanthropy and their support for The Ocean Cleanup’s mission to rid the world’s oceans of plastic waste. In a statement, Coldplay expressed their concerns about the potential dominance of plastic over marine life, stating, “Without action, there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050, which is why The Ocean Cleanup’s work is so vital. We’re proud to sponsor Interceptor 005, which will intercept thousands of tonnes of waste before it reaches the ocean.”
It is worth noting that Coldplay’s involvement in the cleanup efforts of one of Malaysia’s prominent waterways may come as a surprise to many, including their own fans. Recently, there were calls to ban Coldplay’s concert by some individuals, like PAS central working committee member Nasrudin Hassan, who believed that the band’s performance in Kuala Lumpur would promote a culture of hedonism and perversion, claiming it would bring no benefits to religion, race, or the country.
Syaiful Azmen highlighted the significant efforts being made to rehabilitate the Klang River, emphasizing the goal of achieving water security and maintaining optimal water quality and quantity at all times. The ongoing transformation of the Klang River stands as a testament to the commitment and dedication of all those involved in the restoration of this vital waterway.
