Kuala lumpur: The Klang River holds the potential to be transformed into a recreational swimming area if restoration and conservation efforts are carried out consistently and comprehensively, stated Prof Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, president of Sahabat Sungai Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zaini emphasized that river bathing could serve not only as a recreational activity but also as a new indicator for assessing the cleanliness of rivers in the country. He spoke to reporters after participating as a panellist at the 'Bila Kita Boleh Mandi Sungai Klang' forum, organized by Sahabat Sungai Malaysia in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Zaini noted that using the concept of 'bathable or not bathable' as a benchmark is more accessible for the public to comprehend than the biochemical indicators typically used to classify rivers. He stressed that efforts to make the Klang and Langat Rivers friendly for people, clean, and suitable for water recreational activities require commitment and cooperation from various parties.

Identifying and effectively addressing sources of pollution are critical steps, Zaini said. He also highlighted the importance of making riverbanks more appealing and safe for public use. The responsibility to protect rivers, he noted, begins at home, urging households to ensure their drainage systems and septic tanks are well maintained and properly connected to public sewerage systems.

Zaini shared insights from his recent visits to several major European cities, where river bathing has been adopted as a new indicator of water cleanliness. He pointed out that clean rivers could not only benefit local residents but also have the potential to become tourist attractions. "When our rivers are clean, people will come not just to bathe but also to enjoy the scenery and take pictures," he said, adding that well-preserved rivers could become some of the country's top tourist attractions.