Mouth of Sungai Pinang

Tuesday, May 22 2012

Wednesday, 09 March 2011 14:59

WANDER near Sungai Pinang or over the recently-bequeathed Tun Lim Chong Eu Highway near the river's mouth, one will see, even smell, that the river is enjoying a new lease of life. It has never been cleaner, greener and healthier than it has been for the past few decades. Its days are looking even much brighter, with many rejuvenation projects underway.

Flowing east into the south channel, Sungai Pinang was once one of the seven most polluted rivers in Malaysia. Reeking and stained a deep black due to "anthropogenic" causes, it was designated a Class V river. This meant that it was unable to sustain any form of aquatic life. Ironic, as it was the site of one of the earliest settlements in Penang in recorded history.

In recent years, however, the river has undergone a transformation, and since October 2010 was accorded as a Class III river – moderate level of contamination.

It began in 2007 when the first phase of the rehabilitation project was completed. It involved the compensation and relocation of families, temples and businesses, and the cooperation of the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) to fix a water discharge system at an abattoir along River Road which used to release blood from slaughtered cattle into the river.

The second phase of the rehabilitation project would include the installation of discharge and effluent traps to increase the river water quality to Class II. This would render it clean enough for swimming! Other positives include an increase in the water’s biodiversity and turning it into a water source, a tourism product and beautification work.

As a indication of the sense of appreciation for the river, there will be a new theatre offering entitled River Meets Light at its bank. The show is about the past and present relationship between communities and rivers. Read here and here.

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