By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
KLANG, May 28 — Garbage collection in Sungai Klang decreased by 67 per cent from 16,000 metric tonnes in 2019 to 5,800 metric tonnes last year, said state executive councillor for infrastructure Izham Hashim.
The cleaning, using the Interceptor 002 machine, is part of efforts under the Selangor Maritime Gateway Project operated by Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB) for Sungai Klang’s sustainability.
He said that the ongoing cleaning efforts do not solely rely on the Interceptor but also involve enforcement.
“So far, Interceptor 002’s garbage collection recorded a 67 per cent decrease. Despite entering its fifth year, the machine is still in good condition.
“Apart from the Interceptor, we have also installed rubbish traps in collaboration with the local authorities and are monitoring the water quality to detect pollution sources, in addition to running awareness programmes,” Izham told SelangorKini
Meanwhile, he said that Selangor’s aim to improve the river’s water quality has not been fully achieved and will continue to be intensified yearly.
Previously, LLSB successfully removed 88,000 metric tonnes of garbage from Sungai Klang from 2016 to August 2023, using Interceptor 005, Interceptor 002, and seven rubbish traps.
Separately, Izham said he is confident that the Raw Water Guarantee Scheme (SJAM), developed to address water supply disruption issues, will be operational by this August.
“The project is progressing well and is on the right track to meet the set targets,” he said.
The state government allocated RM332 million to implement SJAM, including RM100 million earmarked to guarantee the operation of water treatment plants in case of pollution.
The scheme also includes several other resolution measures, among them amendments to the Luas Enactment 1999 and the Selangor Water Management Authority’s rapid response team monitoring efforts.
