Tragic Discoveries in Klang River During Cleanup Operations
Malaysia, Klang – In a shocking turn of events, ongoing flood mitigation efforts along the Klang River have led to the discovery of over ten bodies, including that of an infant. These grim findings are part of the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) initiative, which aims to enhance flood management in the region. The project, managed by Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB), has been active since November 1, 2022, and has reported these discoveries almost monthly.
Syaiful Azmen Nordin, the managing director of LLSB, revealed that the team has handed over more than ten bodies to the authorities for further investigation. He recounted a particularly distressing period when three bodies were found in consecutive days. The emotional impact of these discoveries, especially the infant’s body, has weighed heavily on the cleanup crew.
Ongoing Pollution Challenges
In addition to the human remains, the cleanup team is grappling with severe pollution in the river. They frequently encounter large items such as refrigerators, lorry tyres, beds, and even motorcycles submerged in the Klang River. Syaiful expressed his disbelief at the presence of such waste, questioning how a refrigerator could end up in the waterway.
As part of the flood mitigation efforts, the project has successfully removed over 918,936 cubic metres of debris, including sediment and various types of rubbish. The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor 002 has been operational in the Klang River since 2019, playing a crucial role in trapping waste and improving the river’s condition.
Restoration and Future Goals
The flood mitigation works are not solely focused on immediate cleanup; they are part of a larger initiative aimed at increasing the river’s capacity, restoring its ecosystem, and enhancing water quality. Currently, the project is concentrated in Shah Alam, specifically in Zones 6, 7, and 8, which are identified as high-risk flood areas.
Syaiful emphasised that this project is vital not only for flood prevention but also for restoring the Klang River’s dignity as a sustainable water source. The initiative aims to create a healthier ecosystem, ensuring that the river can support both wildlife and the local community in the long term.
As the cleanup continues, the hope is that these efforts will lead to a cleaner, safer Klang River, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the residents living nearby.