Developer acts to clean river

JOHOR BARU: What began as a development project turned into a commendable act for the environment, when a developer took it into his own hands to embark on a river cleaning project. 

When Bayou Bay Development Sdn Bhd first began the project near Sungai Tebrau, one of the major rivers in the state, it had been quite well known for its polluted waters, not to mention being a “natural” garbage dump for squatters. 

Being a responsible corporate citizen, the company felt that it was their responsibility to clean up the river along its 26km-long riverbank. 

Bayou Bay deputy chief executive officer Zahairi Abu said the river was in an appalling state and was so silted that during low tide, there was no passageway for boats. 

“There was a strong stench near the Tebrau industrial area as industrial waste flows into the river.  

“Although the river was in a pitiful state, we felt the river has so much to offer and therefore, we decided to make it our job to help the authorities to clean up the river,” Zahairi said. 

Two years ago, Bayou Bay embarked on the river cleaning project and has to date spent RM400,000 and collected some 464 tonnes of rubbish. 

The project included the manual cleaning-up of the riverbanks and the river itself. 

Several rubbish traps and nets were also installed along the river, which was also deepened by three metres. These improved the silt pattern and reduced pollution. 

Residents of squatter areas along the river also pointed out that they have been able to catch more fish compared to when the river was shallower and polluted.

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