Volunteers work together to clean river

KUANTAN, 27 March 2021 - Recognising the importance of river sustainability, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and the Pahang State Department of Environment (DOE) have held various efforts to rehabilitate and maintain river cleanliness.

Recently, 25 UMP staff led by the Head of Programme for the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Energy and Environment), Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology (FTKA), Dr. Nadzirah Mohd Mokhtar, participated in the National River Trail Programme in conjunction with World Water Day 2021.

This program is a volunteering activity organised by the Department of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) and other strategic partners.

The participation also involved 75 volunteers, including from UMP, Pahang State Department of Environment and NGOs to clean Sungai Balok Kuantan.

The programme, which began at 8.00 am, was officiated by the Beserah State Assemblyman (ADUN), Yang Berhormat Tuan Haji Andansura Rabu.

Also present was the Pahang DOE Director, Tuan Haji Mohd Sani Mat Daud.
 
According to Andansura Rabu, Sungai Balok is the last stream for industries in Gebeng, including heavy and chemical industries, but the quality of the river continues to be preserved while the rivers in heavy industry areas will be polluted and efforts to conserve become strenuous.

Meanwhile, according to Tuan Haji Mohd Sani Mat Daud, National River Trail is one of the pollution prevention strategies through a nature-based solution control approach.

“All parties involved in such programmes are hoped to appreciate and understand the importance of the environment for future generations.

“The involvement of the industry is also greatly appreciated. In advancing the industry in the country, environmental care must be emphasised for the well-being of life in the future,” he said.

Dr. Nadzirah Mohd Mokhtar said, in line with the UMP tagline, Technology for Community, the university will always support any programme in ensuring the environment is taken care of, especially in working together to ensure water quality remains in good condition.

“Besides that, the university always strives to bring new technology and be with the industry and community in ensuring environmental sustainability,” she said.

All participants were given a briefing on safety before the River Trail activities began.

Apart from that, there were also demonstration activities on the use of water measuring instruments (YSI), mangrove river cruise activities and mudball throwing.

The programme also supports the e-waste collection campaign, encouraging participants to bring household e-waste to be sorted and collected.

By: Nor Salwana Mohd Idris, Corporate Communications Unit, The Office of The Vice-Chancellor 
Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology