Johor bahru: The Johor State Government has allocated RM2 million in an effort to improve water quality, thus restoring the Sungai Buluh and Sungai Tukang Batu, here, which are among the nine most polluted rivers in the state. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said his party is targeting the two rivers to be removed from the polluted category within two years through joint efforts with the Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) and the state Department of Environment (DOE).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project includes riverbed excavation works, construction of effective microorganisms (EM), auto-dosing stations, supply of EM for water quality improvement treatment, and the Low Carbon City Frameworks (LCCF) initiative with the industry. The project commenced in September and is expected to be completed this December, with the implementation status currently at 70 per cent.

Ling expressed that these two rivers will mark the beginning of efforts to improve water quality, and if successful, the initiative could be extended to other rivers. He shared these insights after the opening ceremony of the National Environment Day Celebration 2025 at the Johor state level, where state DOE director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff and MBPG mayor Datin Paduka Hazlina Jalil were also present.

Additionally, Ling mentioned that the carbon emission rate by the industry is being monitored by MBPG through the assessment of electricity, wastewater use, and greening of industrial areas. Real-time water and air quality monitoring will also be implemented to keep track of the quality of river water and air within the administrative area.

Several strategic locations have been identified, including pollution complaint areas, hotspots, and high-risk locations sensitive to pollution. The DOE will ensure that monitoring and enforcement are carried out at these locations, ensuring that industrial wastewater discharges into the drainage system comply with set conditions.

Ling emphasized the state government's commitment to restoring water quality in all nine rivers in the district, urging all parties to cooperate in preserving and conserving the environment.