Selangor's RM50b transport plan
Published: 2009/01/23


The blueprint includes purging toxic rivers and turning them into waterways to attract commuters

MALAYSIA'S richest state, which surrounds the capital, Kuala Lumpur, plans to solve the area’s chronic congestion with a public-transport blueprint including boats and trains that may cost RM50 billion (US$14 billion).

The 10-year program involves turning the brown Klang River, flowing west from Kuala Lumpur through Selangor state, into a waterway clean enough to attract commuters, said Khalid Ibrahim, the state’s chief minister. The cleanup alone may cost RM10 billion, he said.

“Kuala Lumpur needs it as much as we need it,” Khalid, 62, said in an interview at his office in Shah Alam, the Selangor state capital that’s about 24 kilometers (15 miles) west of Kuala Lumpur. “In order to use this river, I have a nightmare. The quality is more than toxic.”

Khalid has invited proposals from overseas contractors to purge the river and he wants to unveil transport plans for his state and the capital as early as March. Hours wasted in traffic jams and squeezed in buses erode 2 per cent from Malaysia’s US$181 billion economy a year, according to the government, just as the nation is trying to avoid a recession amid the global slowdown.

Neighbouring Singapore started cleaning its rivers in 1977 under a US$200 million program ordered by then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. It took a decade to clean six rivers and reverse the effect of years of industrial waste, domestic sewage and farm effluents, according to the government.

Mentality Change

“The nearest and best model to follow is probably Singapore, but Malaysia may need more time,” said Zulkifli Yusop, director of the Institute of Environmental and Water Resource Management at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Johor, south Malaysia. “Our mentality has to change. You have to stop pollution at the very source.”

France’s Veolia Environnement SA, the world’s biggest water company, Paris-based Suez Environnement SA, the second-largest in Europe, and General Electric Co of the US, are among those offering water-treatment services. In Malaysia, YTL Corp is vying to clean the nation’s rivers. Khalid didn’t say which businesses he asked to work on the Klang River.

The project will lure Malaysians onto the waterway for recreation, attract homebuyers to the riverbanks and take commuters off the roads, Khalid said. Since the river flows through the capital, Khalid said his transport development goals must be agreed on with Kuala Lumpur authorities.

“We have to establish river protocol, how funding can be used, and also the real-estate development surrounding the river,” he said. “It’s a feasible business plan over a period of time.”

Planning Requirements

About 90 per cent of Selangor residents drive their own cars to work, the same proportion that uses public transport in Hong Kong, Khalid said. In Singapore and Manila, more than half the population uses public transport, the Malaysian government has said.

The chief minister, who started his job last March, plans to coax half the state’s commuters onto buses, boats and trains over the next decade. Property-development proposals in Selangor will be rejected unless their designs are geared toward meeting that goal, he said.

The state of Selangor, which accounts for 25 per cent of Malaysia’s economy, doesn’t include Kuala Lumpur. The capital city is officially a federal territory.

Khalid said companies might finance the project themselves in return for land or other incentives. It would also be in the interests of the federal government to help with funds, he said. He didn’t provide any details on how the project might be funded.

“Now I have to juggle the politics so that the federal government will feel it’s their idea, not mine,” Khalid said. “So long as I get a clean river and public transport, I don’t mind.” - Bloomberg

impressive. but im afraid RM50billion is just a wonder on paper. anyway i support any effort to clean the rivers in selangor even tho i have doubt on its viability being a waterway since most of the rivers are shallow.

^^^^ i second that, as most of rban development in selangor are in the hintterland where river are really shallow,except for klang, but then again most of the bridge are so low that nothing can pass through....so tahniah khalid you are just as resesfull as other BN UMNO MB.

ade la to projek die..blom ape2 lg da negatif..

awesome !!!!!

one day selangor will still have to clean its river! thats a good project for the rakyat.

but i need to warn MB that using river as public transport may not be a good idea becoz of many reasons:
1. as osh pointed out, our rivers are shallow therefore dangerous to ferry/catamarans
2. as daeng pointed out, most busy areas in Selangor are hinterland. I'm yet to find a river in Subang Jaya and Kelana Jaya.
3. as I've lived in Brisbane before, I now udstand that our climate may not be suitable sometimes. The reason is during summer there's lotsa rainfall and this causes mudslides at every corner of Brisbane River. As a result, in summer the Brisbane River turns muddy and very brown. The ferry cannot run frequently (especially in the evening) for safety reasons. What more Malaysia has rain almost everyday. (Singapore cant be compared becoz their river is too short and near the sea)

It requires alot of maintenance and so forth, and I guess most important is the public also need to be educated not to litter into the river.



btw how come this news not in TheStar???

^^

But it is in Business Times aka NST! And also Bloomberg!

awesome !!!!!

one day selangor will still have to clean its river! thats a good project for the rakyat.

but i need to warn MB that using river as public transport may not be a good idea becoz of many reasons:
1. as osh pointed out, our rivers are shallow therefore dangerous to ferry/catamarans
2. as daeng pointed out, most busy areas in Selangor are hinterland. I'm yet to find a river in Subang Jaya and Kelana Jaya.
3. as I've lived in Brisbane before, I now udstand that our climate may not be suitable sometimes. The reason is during summer there's lotsa rainfall and this causes mudslides at every corner of Brisbane River. As a result, in summer the Brisbane River turns muddy and very brown. The ferry cannot run frequently (especially in the evening) for safety reasons. What more Malaysia has rain almost everyday. (Singapore cant be compared becoz their river is too short and near the sea)

It requires alot of maintenance and so forth, and I guess most important is the public also need to be educated not to litter into the river.



btw how come this news not in TheStar???

The Klang River sort of circulates Subang Jaya actually. In fact the monsoon drain in SS14/SS18 eventually leads up to the river....I think any proposal that involves the Klang river has to be thoroughly examined or it can be catastrophic because the river forms a vital drainage system of the Klang basin.

Silting is the biggest problem for the river and this will have to involve deepening, putting silt traps, enforcement and so on. Water levels in the river should be able to be controlled by a series of weirs/ gates (that is to increase or decrease water levels), and with all the available technology, it sounds quite exciting actually.

The Klang river needs a comprehensive river management plan and a powerful authority to make this work.

Finally someone who's in power cares for our rivers! I support the idea, whether or not turning the rivers into public transport routes. As long as we can clean up the teh tarik and stinky rivers, I don't really mind how they do it.

I think the toughest part would be the KL side which might not want to cooperate. *fingers crossed*

Finally someone who's in power cares for our rivers! I support the idea, whether or not turning the rivers into public transport routes. As long as we can clean up the teh tarik and stinky rivers, I don't really mind how they do it.

I think the toughest part would be the KL side which might not want to cooperate. *fingers crossed*

is that a bulldozed statement? :|

could u please put aside those narrow political point of view abit?

^^ Mind you, that's not my "political point of view". That's the political reality in Malaysia, unfortunately. If only they put aside theirs :) Thats why I kept my fingers crossed... thats how I imagine this project might or might not turn out, so pls don't anyhow say I was expressing my political view. Thanks.

if you want to talk something about the problem of rivers, you must get a better understanding of complexity of managing drainage system. London took 40 years to cleanup Thames, while Singapore since 70's. and in this country, JPS has taken some approach to control silt from construction site which make the color into brown. as since KL receives thunderstorm almost everyday, the situation is not as 'easy' as london.

on the other hands, housing areas around rivers are the largest contributor of river pollution. i'm living in an area not far from Sungai Gombak and i see some part of the river are getting better (look, not quality).

so, shooting government, DBKL (or 'KL side') as you said is the most 'tangkap muat' punya statement...

and there's no 'political reality in Malaysia' which took place in this river management. it has nothing to do with barisan nasional or what. they are all non-partisan civil servant who are working under budget and laws with small numbers of enforcers. cakap memang mudah...Thanks.

^^ Yes, it's really easy to talk. *ahem* Just like how you always ask people to get better understanding of a topic but you always get your own "facts" wrong or twisted -- and then go silent when people prove themselves right, and then you will say something like "ohh I don't need to argue with him/her, it's wasting my time" blah blah.... Is it really that fun to constantly challenge and arguing with people in almost any thread in this forum? People come here not just to argue with you you know, people want to voice out their opinions and then gather info from other people's opinions, not having sheer pleasure in engaging in your endless word battles.

Having said that, please don't copy my style of replying. Thanks, but no thanks, really.

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It might not be the case for London or Singapore. When they wanted to clean up the river, they went ahead and do it for sure. Another example would be Seoul. Another local example would be Melaka.

We have always heard of government wants to clean up the river and all but what stern actions have been taken? Remember how Dr.M got furious when he flew in a plane and saw a river in Penang was extremely polluted? What exactly happened after that?

If a river is located only in one city system such as in London, in Singapore, in Seoul, or in Melaka, things get easily done as the river is cleaned up by one government/council. In the case of Selangor and KL, it gets more intricate as we all who have been living in this part of the world know that Selangor & KL work differently, in terms of their town planning, infrastructures, landscaping, parking system, and even on the standard of cleanliness.

One Federal Highway is enough to tell how the State of Selangor and FT of KL are differently run. Just see the difference in terms of development - KL has most development close to and along the highway, while Selangor tries to keep its highway stretch free from high dense development. Just cross over the Kota Darul Ehsan Arch and feel for yourself the different road tars between KL and PJ. If they can't even free up the notorious traffic on Federal Highway after so many years of "planning", I have all the reasons to remain skeptical about the cooperations between two governments in one area. Isn't it also one of the reasons why so many oppose the plan of building an airport in Labu?

I have more examples of how things screwed up when it involves "cooperation" between two councils, or two governments in this country. And I don't necessarily mean politically PR vs. BN. because PR vs. BN happened only since last year. And please don't be so shallow to think that politics in this country only involves PR vs. BN. Anyway, off topic and fyi, KL's mayor is appointed by the PM, not elected, so it is also rightful to say that DBKL is of kerajaan BN as they all work under the mayor and the mayor under the PM.

And since I'm really for this river cleaning project, I would love to see both Selangor and KL really clean the rivers up and not screw things up.

maybe they can learn from Cheonggyecheon restoration river project in korea...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/410428968_525c46d67e.jpg?v=0

http://www.squarehe.com/images/0605/cheonggyecheon.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Seoul_Cheonggyecheon_at_night.jpg/800px-Seoul_Cheonggyecheon_at_night.jpg

http://www.preservenet.com/freeways/Seoul_Cheonggyecheon_night.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/tylerseed/Chungmuro%206%2015/SL272010.jpg

http://www.metro.seoul.kr/kor2000/chungaehome/en/seoul/1sub.htm

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3232806211_3acfceb85d_o.png

and dis is kl last weekend

We have always heard of government wants to clean up the river and all but what stern actions have been taken?

In the case of Selangor and KL, it gets more intricate as we all who have been living in this part of the world know that Selangor & KL work differently, in terms of their town planning, infrastructures, landscaping, parking system, and even on the standard of cleanliness.

I have more examples of how things screwed up when it involves "cooperation" between two councils, or two governments in this country. And since I'm really for this river cleaning project, I would love to see both Selangor and KL really clean the rivers up and not screw things up.

I think the toughest part would be the KL side which might not want to cooperate. *fingers crossed*

FYI, other peoples are working on that. the effort of cleaning river is a long term and not just a gimmick. please update ur self on what the government does under JPS. FYI also, DBKL can only do their best in landscaping of rivers and some enforcement. any blueprint masterplan are done by JPS. and FYI again, JPS appointed a consultant from the UK for the masterplan. b4 i forgot, mind you that the Melaka River beautification is more on landscaping.

River Management (http://www.water.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=395)

Urban Drainage (http://www.water.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=167&Itemid=362)

always, get updated plz.

Pertemuan berlangsung mesra

Oleh NAZMIL NASIRUDDIN
kota@utusan.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR 22 Jan. - Pertemuan antara Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail dengan sembilan Ahli Parlimen Wilayah Persekutuan dari parti pembangkang yang diadakan lewat petang semalam berlangsung dalam suasana mesra.

Ia sekali gus menolak anggapan banyak pihak yang melihat pertemuan pertama antara kedua-dua pihak itu bakal berakhir dengan pertikaman lidah.

Ahmad Fuad berkata, perbincangan yang diadakan adalah sangat positif dan kedua-dua pihak tidak menolak kemungkinan pertemuan secara berkala akan dilakukan selepas ini.

Katanya, dalam pertemuan itu, beliau memberitahu bahawa Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) mahu melaksanakan pentadbiran terbaik bagi setiap urusan di semua jabatan.

"Ini adalah untuk memastikan perkhidmatan yang diberikan dapat memberikan keselesaan kepada warga Kuala Lumpur," katanya kepada pemberita selepas pertemuan kira-kira dua setengah jam itu.

Turut hadir, Ketua Pengarah DBKL, Datuk Salleh Yusup, ketua-ketua jabatan serta pegawai kanan DBKL.

Ahmad Fuad berkata, bagi memastikan pentadbiran yang baik itu tercapai, akauntabiliti DBKL akan dipertingkatkan dan pihak berkuasa tempatan itu sedang berusaha mendapatkan pengiktirafan ISO dalam tempoh sembilan bulan ini.

Beliau berkata, selain itu, kerjasama yang erat antara DBKL dengan semua Ahli Parlimen di Kuala Lumpur juga perlu dikekalkan supaya setiap masalah yang berlaku dapat diselesaikan dengan berkesan.

"Ahli-ahli Parlimen dapat membantu pihak DBKL dalam memberikan penyelesaian terhadap setiap masalah yang dihadapi warga Kuala Lumpur," katanya.

Sementara itu, Datuk Bandar memberitahu, ahli-ahli Parlimen pembangkang itu turut mengemukakan tiga perkara untuk dipertimbangkan oleh DBKL.

Tiga perkara itu, katanya, ialah diberikan dua tempat kepada mereka sebagai Ahli Lembaga Penasihat DBKL, melibatkan semua Ahli Parlimen dalam mesyuarat jawatankuasa pengurusan dan diwujudkan pusat khidmat masyarakat bersama bagi setiap kawasan Parlimen.

Namun, kata Ahmad Fuad, ketiga-tiga permintaan itu tidak dapat ditunaikan kerana DBKL tidak mempunyai kuasa dalam perkara-perkara tersebut.

"DBKL tidak mempunyai kuasa mutlak. Kita terikat dengan kuasa kementerian tertentu dan pula DBKL sudah mempunyai ahli mencukupi dalam setiap jawatankuasa tersebut," jelasnya.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3232806211_3acfceb85d_o.png

and dis is kl last weekend

a friend of mine in DBKL says there will be a new and refreshing landscaping of Gombak River around SOGO. complete with dining space....

^^tak busuk ke? hehe...

^^that's the problem lah...

but, i think i still can resist the smell lah...:lol: tak lah busuk sgt pun, Sungai Chao Phraya kat BKK tu pun bukan lah harum sgt pun, tp banyak dining places along the river...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3121086257_90d2f597b5_o.jpg

^^btw, cuba tgk sungai gombak kat Bandar Baru Sentul, orang selalu memancing kat situ, dan mmg ada banyak ikan...seriously! so, it proves that the water quality of our rivers is still 'acceptable' :yes:

maybe they can learn from Cheonggyecheon restoration river project in korea...

Cheonggyecheon is actually this tiny little creek which unfortunately is no comparison to our mighty Klang River (in terms of volume carried, hydrological importance, etc). A better candidate perhaps would have been the stream where the proposed citywalk is being built over...

Klang river along Jalan Syed Putra.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2811697488_bc3ae9d675.jpg

maybe they can learn from Cheonggyecheon restoration river project in korea...

http://www.squarehe.com/images/0605/cheonggyecheon.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/3120967793_21b299845e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/3121793934_9e5a49ffe5_o.jpg

kita punya sungai pun bersih gak....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg

coooool :banana:

^^that's the problem lah...

but, i think i still can resist the smell lah...:lol: tak lah busuk sgt pun, Sungai Chao Phraya kat BKK tu pun bukan lah harum sgt pun, tp banyak dining places along the river...

kau org Malaysia kat BKK?

weird that no one is talking about the transport side of the plan.

Maybe we are so desparate for clean rivers...or have no faith in public transport.

Cheers, m

kau org Malaysia kat BKK?

ehem..ehem...i went there last week lah!

ehem..ehem...i went there last week lah!

but your avatar serta location still absolutely Thailand!
Sala Deang? kau kat situ kerr..?

^^yup i was there and my heart is still there (now back in boring KL :( ) and i love that place....i think skyprince is right when he said 'Malaysian loves Thailand' :okay:

btw...
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Isu sungai tunggu keputusan EPU - Zulhasnan

KUALA LUMPUR 3 Feb. - Kementerian Wilayah Persekutuan telah menyiapkan kajian dan laporan secara menyeluruh termasuk dari segi teknikal bagi menangani permasalahan pencemaran di Sungai Klang serta Sungai Gombak.

Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique berkata, pihaknya bagaimanapun masih menunggu keputusan Unit Perancang Ekonomi (EPU) untuk melaksanakan tindakan susulan.

Katanya, kementeria sudah membuat kajian terperinci dalam pelbagai sudut termasuk pendekatan yang terbaik bagi mengatasi masalah pencemaran di Sungai Klang dan Sungai Gombak.

''Kini terpulang kepada EPU untuk membuat keputusan muktamad berhubung isu tersebut termasuk dari segi kos dan sebagainya,'' katanya kepada pemberita di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata, Kementerian Wilayah Persekutuan serta semua agensinya akan memberikan segala bentuk kerjasama dan sokongan untuk menangani masalah pencemaran di kedua - dua batang sungai tersebut.

''Kami sudah bersedia . Ini adalah sejajar dengan komitmen Kementerian untuk memberi tumpuan terhadap isu - isu alam sekitar di Kuala Lumpur", katanya sebagai mengulas kenyataan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berhubung isu tersebut.

Semasa berucap merasmikan sambutan Hari Wilayah Persekutuan Ahad lalu, Abdullah melahirkan rasa kecewa dan kurang senang dengan tahap kebersihan dua sungai utama di Kuala Lumpur iaitu Sungai Klang dan Sungai Gombak yang disifatkannya sebagai "menyakitkan mata".

Perdana Menteri dalam nada kesal berkata, walaupun telah banyak dilakukan sejak dari dahulu untuk memperbaiki kebersihan dan keindahan dua batang sungai tersebut, namun situasinya masih tidak banyak berubah.

Zulhasnan juga berkata, kerjasama warga kota amat diperlukan bagi menangani permasalahan pencemaran di kedua-dua sungai tersebut.

''Adalah menjadi tanggungjawab kita bersama untuk menjayakan visi Wilayah Persekutuan yang Maju dan Sejahtera dalam segala aspek.

"Semua pihak perlu memandang serius mengenai teguran Perdana Menteri bagi mengembalikan semula keceriaan dan kecantikan semula Sungai Klang dan Sungai Gombak. Ini adalah tanggungjawab kita bersama," katanya lagi.

weird that no one is talking about the transport side of the plan.

Maybe we are so desparate for clean rivers...or have no faith in public transport.

Cheers, m

there was very little historical event which shows old malayans use river as their main transportation route unlike those peoples in Siam or Indochina. so, turning a non-waterway river as a waterway is kinda 'faking' and it doesn't work. as you can even see in japanese cities where rivers are just for recreational purpose, not for 'public transport'.

and yes, we are desperately wanting a clean river for recreation.

weird that no one is talking about the transport side of the plan.

Maybe we are so desparate for clean rivers...or have no faith in public transport.

Cheers, m

:)... I think the transport side should be secondary to the river's hyrdological and environmental functions. Besides, river transport might not be able to substantially compete with other forms of mass rapid transportation systems.

there was very little historical event which shows old malayans use river as their main transportation route unlike those peoples in Siam or Indochina. so, turning a non-waterway river as a waterway is kinda 'faking' and it doesn't work. as you can even see in japanese cities where rivers are just for recreational purpose, not for 'public transport'.

and yes, we are desperately wanting a clean river for recreation.

Not really I think. The Klang river was the chief mode of transportation until the Ampang and Port Klang rail lines were built.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3232806211_3acfceb85d_o.png

and dis is kl last weekendKL's rivers can be improved - and they have made some effort to do so but like many things in Malaysia - the effort is incomplete and maintenance is poor.

Another factor that has to be considered is the way we treat our rivers - we cannot have a redevelopment like the one in Korea (or even the one in Melaka) as long as our rivers are "transport corridors" (like the AKLEH over the Klang and and LRTs over the Klang and Gombak rivers) or very large storm (+ everything else) drains.

This talk about using the rivers for transport tho - what is Khalid thinking there? Rivers are not a realistic option for commuting unless you have a wide river like the one around Bangkok. Who wants to use the Klang to commute?

Oh, and where is the money coming from? Selangor state has a budget of RM1.4 billion per year.

Cheers, m

our rivers are big longkang dats all...........

:)... I think the transport side should be secondary to the river's hyrdological and environmental functions. Besides, river transport might not be able to substantially compete with other forms of mass rapid transportation systems.yeah, Im not agreeing with the proposal for public transport along the river - that is a bit silly given the size of the Klang and the Gombak...

but the article did mention plans to improve public transport (not necessary on the rivers) in the state - that is what I want to hear more about

Cheers, m

Cleaning Klang Valley’s dirtiest rivers


A TECHNICAL report on ways to rehabilitate the Klang and Gombak rivers is finally completed and awaiting further action from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

The report carried out by the Federal Territories Ministry took into consideration various measures that may be required to cleanse two of Klang Valley’s dirtiest rivers.

“We now have to look into cost considerations and other aspects but the ministry and all its agencies including the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will do the necessary to recapture the rivers’ former glory,’’ said Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique,

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/2/5/central/m_04plastictube.jpg
Dirty: A file picture of workers placing a plastic tube to trap the oil in Sungai Gombak as part of the cleaning process.

“It was now up to the EPU to make the final decisions but we are ready to work towards this end,’’ Zulhasnan said, adding that this was in line with the ministry’s commitment to give priority to environmental issues in Kuala Lumpur.

Zulhasnan was commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s request when opening the Federal Territories Day celebrations recently that the pollution problem in the two rivers be tackled fast as they had become eyesores.

The prime minister said that although much had been done to address the problem before, nothing much had come out of it.

at keramat

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3257070155_d6be777343_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/3257900326_613daed8cd_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/3257899488_46bae4f186_o.png

hey guys, who love Klang river (including Gombak river) here? why not we form a club and start some activities...? i think it's goin to be fun!

That's a river??? Looks like a storm drain or longkang to me!^^

RM20b to clean up Klang River
Written by Yong Min Wei
Monday, 09 March 2009 23:24

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor government has embarked on an ambitious plan to implement a RM20 billion clean-up and rehabilitation of the Klang River towards creating a catalyst for economic development in the state.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the project that could stretch over a decade was to enhance real-estate development along the river and land reserves, adding that the river itself could in the future be used for an alternative public transportation system for the people and goods.

He said the immediate benefit of the project would be to provide business to companies and jobs for the people as the river together with its many tributaries was over 250km long.

"The utilisation of civil equipment like cranes and the number of employees working on the project would create a spin up to the Selangor economy," he told The Edge Financial Daily in an interview recently.

Khalid said cleaning the river did not only mean widening parts of it but also involved water retention activities, speed control of the flow and the landscaping.

According to him, the clean-up alone may cost some RM10 billion, but in the long run could enhance the tourism industry through the development of riverside cafes and restaurants as well as recreational activities.

"There are various options to implement the project. We can work with the federal government or have private funding initiative through Asian Development Bank or other international development agencies," he pointed out.

The menteri besar said the state government had also been approached by parties from China and Taiwan to be the main initiator in the project on the condition that they be given the opportunity to own the real estate land along the river.

"(Land beside) Klang River is the most populated in the industrial sense as well as in terms of housing and infrastructure. It also interestingly passes the federal capital," he said, adding that success in cleaning the particular river would spearhead the cleaning of other rivers in the state.

The Selangor state executive council had last Wednesday announced a economic stimulus package for the state that identified five major areas that were paramount to its economic development.

The state said the five major areas were expected to create an investment of above RM50 billion and more than 150,000 jobs.

They include the cleaning and rehabilitation of the Klang River, expanding the transportation system, upgrading and replacing of water assets, urban renewal activities, and revival of abandoned housing projects.

Touching on the expansion of transportation, Khalid who is also Ijok assemblyman, said the state planned to reduce the 90:10 private to public transportation ratio to 50:50 in the future.

He said public transportation in Selangor must be adequate and as such it planned to have a "one-hour public transportation model" which would see people going to any part of the state within an hour.

Khalid wants the light-rail transit (LRT) system linked to Klang and Kajang as well as well as to have LRT access to northern parts of Selangor to as far as Kuala Kubu Baru.

"A consolidated public transportation system would enable the population in the state to be spread well away from the city centre and enhance the quality of life of Selangorians," he said, noting that Kuala Lumpur would not have bear the agony of traffic congestion should the system be successful.

Khalid said the state also aimed to expand its existing transportation systems to serve more areas in Selangor in a concerted manner, ensuring more buses and taxis were connected to central railway hubs.

"We have to collaborate with the LRT and bus operators, and I think they will be interested as there is supply," he added.

He added that it was also looking towards working with the federal government to propose a state-level bus system to coordinate with existing transport providers.

TRANSIT says: (http://transitmy.org/2009/03/12/commentary-on-selangor-governments-5-prong-plan/)

The idea of extending the LRT to Klang, Kajang, and Kuala Kubu Baru comes out of the existing Selangor State Structural Plan. TRANSIT has already advised the state government that this document is in need of serious revision and should be updated before being used as the base of any public transport plan.

TRANSIT does not believe that the extension of the LRT is, in itself a bad idea. However, the State Government should be concentrating on improving the existing bus services and KTM Komuter service before throwing money at the LRT.

It is clear that KTM Komuter and bus services have a far higher cost-recovery ratio than LRT. In addition, the cost-efficiency of LRT is far lower than MRT or other forms of Rapid-Transit.

If the government wants to build rapid transit in Selangor they should do it the right way.

Trains themselves must be far larger (8-12 carriage LRT trains or 6-9 carriage Komuter trains) in order to accommodate the growing demand. Because of the constraint on the size of the LRT (small station size on the existing lines) it is far better to expand the KTM Komuter system, which has far more room for growth built in.

Note: for more information about the advantages of the KTM Komuter service over LRT, please see “KTM Komuter, the Way to Go”, a commentary written by Moaz Yusuf Ahmad.

there was very little historical event which shows old malayans use river as their main transportation route unlike those peoples in Siam or Indochina. so, turning a non-waterway river as a waterway is kinda 'faking' and it doesn't work. as you can even see in japanese cities where rivers are just for recreational purpose, not for 'public transport'.

and yes, we are desperately wanting a clean river for recreation.

People (especially in the slum areas) who like throwing garbage into the river must be caught. Wastewater in the industrial areas needs to be treated before it flows into the main river. Sadly, at this moment, it seems there is no or little law enforcement.

People (especially in the slum areas) who like throwing garbage into the river must be caught.

^^ dont you aware these slum areas, mostly illegal settlements have no gabbage collectors to service? another reason is some roads r inaccessible to heavy vehicle.

Germans keen to run LRT in Selangor


SHAH ALAM: A German company is interested in building, managing and operating a light rail transit (LRT) system in the state, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said.

Khalid said he would be meeting the company’s representatives next week and that the company would also be making a presentation to the state’s exco on the proposed LRT project.

He said the deal was a win-win situation for both parties given the gloomy economic situation as some of the factories in Germany had to close.

Khalid said that besides helping to keep German factories open by using their products, the LRT project would create a better public transportation system in Selangor.

“We are looking at extending the LRT system to Klang, Kajang and Rawang,” Khalid told a press conference at the state assembly building here yesterday.

On the cleaning-up of the Klang River, Khalid said work would include sprucing-up the river from its source right up to the estuary.

“The Klang River can be used for transportation as well as both a tourist and leisure spot,” said Khalid, adding investors would be roped in for the development.

Earlier in the state assembly, Khalid said the initial estimated total cost for cleaning-up the river was about RM10bil, including for the removal of pollutants, dredging, preventing further pollution and maintaining water quality.

Selangor Assembly: Bulk of RM10b for 'transforming Klang River into Singapore river'
Suganthi Suparmaniam & Mazlinda Mahmood

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Tuesday/Stories/2506960/insidepix1
The Selangor government will identify and redevelop urban slums sitting on prime locations.

SHAH ALAM: The bulk of the RM10 billion allocated by the Selangor state government to redevelop Klang, Petaling Jaya and Kajang will go towards the cleaning of the Klang River.

The rest would be used for the renewal and redevelopment of urban slums in all three areas.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, in his wrap up of the royal address debate at the Selangor state assembly yesterday, said the state was going to emulate Singapore's success in cleaning up the Singapore River in 1977, which had resulted in a positive economic outcome.

"At present, rivers are not considered a resource and had become dumpsters which made them not viable to be developed as real estate.


"The revival of the Singapore River at a cost of S$1 billion (RM2.4 billion) yielded a riverside real estate investment of S$60 billion (RM144 billion) over the years," he said, adding that the Klang river was 120km long.

The clean up of the Klang River, said Khalid, would attract investments to the state and create job opportunities as the river reserve would become valuable real estate.

"One day, the people of Klang may have an alternative to go to Kuala Lumpur and not have to brave the traffic jam as they can ride a boat right up to Masjid Jamek and vice-versa."

Other than turning the river into a valuable real estate and an alternative route to Kuala Lumpur, a revived Klang River could also be a tourist attraction and a place to rest and relax, Khalid said.

"The project would take a long time, but our plan to clean up the estuary and the source of Klang River in the next two years could generate investments to the tune of more than RM5 billion," he said.

He said the state's town planning unit would be working with local experts based overseas on the project which is slated to begin this year.

As for the renewal of urban slums and abandoned factory sites in the three cities, Local Government, Research and Development Committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the local council would work with investors in identifying prime locations which needed redevelopment.

This would include old sections of the town which have many obsolete buildings of little or no value located on prime land.

Khalid had said on Sunday that the state government had allocated RM10 billion for the redevelopment of Klang, Petaling Jaya and Kajang over the next five to seven years.

He had said that it was part of the state's efforts to give a boost to the sluggish economy.

Khalid had also said that the allocation for the three areas were logical and comparable to the RM3 billion spent for the redevelopment of Damansara.

German investors keen on transportation project

SHAH ALAM: German investors have expressed interest in the Selangor state government's plans for the public transportation system.

The investors are due to meet Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim next week.

Khalid said in a press conference after the state assembly sitting yesterday that involving the German investors in the building and managing of the light rail transit (LRT) here would be a win-win situation as they would be bringing their business here while the people would get to enjoy a better public transportation system.

He said the public transportation system can be a catalyst for other things.


Khalid said the state government planned to extend the LRT lines from Kelana Jaya to places like Klang, Kajang and Rawang.

"We hope to increase the usage of public transportation and reduce the need for private transportation," he said.

The state is committed to reduce the private-public transportation ratio from 90:10 to 50:50 within the next 10 years.

Aside from the extension of the LRT tracks, plans are afoot to introduce a One Hour Public Transportation Model which will allow the public access to anywhere in Selangor within an hour.

The public transportation plan is expected to cost more than RM20 billion which is expected to be financed by the private sector.



hooray!!!!!...Tan Sri Khalid the best :banana::banana::banana:

Peruntukan RM10 bilion bersih Sungai Klang

SHAH ALAM 16 Mac - Kerajaan negeri Selangor memperuntukkan RM10 bilion untuk kerja-kerja pembersihan Sungai Klang bagi menggalakkan pertumbuhan pembangunan dan pelaburan di kawasan tanah rezab sungai itu.

Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim berkata, sungai itu juga bakal dijadikan kawasan pengangkutan alternatif bagi penduduk berulang-alik dari bandar selain tempat riadah dan pelancongan.

Katanya, kos yang diperuntukan itu antara lainnya melibatkan kerja-kerja pemindahan bahan pencemaran dan penggalian bahan mendapan dari dasar sungai sepanjang 120 kilometer.

''Bahagian kuala dan hulu Sungai Klang merupakan dua projek terawal yang akan dilaksanakan bagi pembersihan sungai dalam tempoh terdekat ini dan dijangka siap dalam tempoh dua tahun.

''Jika projek ini siap sepenuhnya, kita jangka nilai pelaburan di kawasan rezab yang bakal diperoleh berjumlah RM5 bilion," katanya kepada pemberita selepas sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di sini hari ini.

Sungai Klang menganjur dari hulunya di Banjaran Gunung Titiwangsa merentasi kawasan tadahan Empangan Klang Gate, Empangan Batu dan kawasan Ampang yang menyempadani negeri Pahang.

Dalam perkembangan berkaitan, Abdul Khalid ketika menggulung titah Sultan Selangor berkata, kerja-kerja pembersihan di sepanjang Sungai Klang itu yang akan dimulakan tahun depan dijangka siap sepenuhnya pada 2030.

"Pembiayaannya dijangka daripada sumber para pelabur persendirian yang mempunyai pengalaman dan kepakaran dalam kerja pembersihan sungai," jelas beliau.

Mengenai cadangan untuk memanjangkan laluan Sistem Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT) ke kawasan seperti Klang, Kajang dan Rawang, Abdul Khalid berkata, ia bertujuan untuk meningkatkan sistem pengangkutan awam berbanding kenderaan persendirian.

Ujar beliau, pihaknya akan bertemu dan mendengar taklimat pelabur dari Jerman minggu depan untuk membincangkan pelaksanaan sistem tersebut.

i hope its good for those who live in selangor.... keep it up.....

mane selangor nak korek 10 bil?

RM10 billion for the next 22 years kot....but due to inflation, RM10 billion is impossible.

"One day, the people of Klang may have an alternative to go to Kuala Lumpur and not have to brave the traffic jam as they can ride a boat right up to Masjid Jamek and vice-versa."

I nampak gambar di bayangan! :lol: By the way GO! Klang River...

mane selangor nak korek 10 bil?

they manage to offer 5.7 billion through Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad. I'm suprised if they bring up 10 billion over a 10-year or 5-year development plan.

btw, KDEB is the largest state-own company in malaysia, in which the selangor gov. controls. if i'm not mistaken, selangor gov. also has other successful business ventures although i'm not sure which.

well, i hope tan sri khalid would supply the detail plan soon.. i think it would be possible as the land along the riverbank are state owned... when the river is clean, the land surrounding it would shoot up in term of value..maybe KDEB and PKNS could pull it off, hopefully turning klang into somesort of rotterdam look alike........and turning klang river for transportation (cargo not passenger) is logical,as transporting through water is 50 times cheaper than transporting through road,and it will create a safer road environment for motorcyclist..

German investors keen on transportation project

SHAH ALAM: German investors have expressed interest in the Selangor state government's plans for the public transportation system.

The investors are due to meet Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim next week.

Khalid said in a press conference after the state assembly sitting yesterday that involving the German investors in the building and managing of the light rail transit (LRT) here would be a win-win situation as they would be bringing their business here while the people would get to enjoy a better public transportation system.

He said the public transportation system can be a catalyst for other things.


Khalid said the state government planned to extend the LRT lines from Kelana Jaya to places like Klang, Kajang and Rawang.

"We hope to increase the usage of public transportation and reduce the need for private transportation," he said.

The state is committed to reduce the private-public transportation ratio from 90:10 to 50:50 within the next 10 years.

Aside from the extension of the LRT tracks, plans are afoot to introduce a One Hour Public Transportation Model which will allow the public access to anywhere in Selangor within an hour.

The public transportation plan is expected to cost more than RM20 billion which is expected to be financed by the private sector.

what is Tan Sri Khalid smoking????? :bash: None of this is going to happen without proper plans. Of course the German firm (Bombardier/AdTranz or Siemens) is keen and interested - they will sell Selangor a high cost system using proprietory technology and design contracts that will lock-up the state government's assets for years.

There is already KTM Komuter to Klang and Kajang and Rawang! What will the LRT do that will be so different? It will be faster, I suppose but the KTM service would be faster if they upgraded the track and bought more trains. They could do that and create more jobs for Malaysian workers instead of getting foreign firms and foreign workers to come in and do the work.

That would cost alot less money and save a lot of time as well!

No proper planning, unrealistic dreams and pie-in-the-sky promises...and no public consultation.

C'mon Tan Sri - you can do way better.

Cheers, m

"One day, the people of Klang may have an alternative to go to Kuala Lumpur and not have to brave the traffic jam as they can ride a boat right up to Masjid Jamek and vice-versa."

by silangwx
http://www.flickr.com/photos/silang/3368203042/

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/03/20/09/56/2905656_900x900.JPG

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/03/20/10/00/2905679_700x700.JPG

Selangor: RM50b for clean-up, redevelopment
Published: 2009/03/21

THE Selangor government says the plans to clean up the Klang River and redevelop areas along its 120km stretch will involve total investments of RM50 billion.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the project is expected to complete at least in 20 years starting from 2010, with the clean-up alone costing RM10 billion.

Funding will be sourced from private investors, Khalid added.

"We are setting up a project management company in two to three months," he told reporters after the Selangor Business Council's meeting in Shah Alam yesterday.

Khalid said the state wants to redevelop the river banks to spur the growth of its real estate as well as recreational and tourist potential.

"The project will take a long time and it will also involve the removal of many unlicensed factories along the river," he said.

Selangor also plans to transform the Klang River to allow development of an alternative public transportation system including boats and trains for those who commute to Kuala Lumpur daily.

On the council's meeting, Khalid said the members reminded the state government that the slide in the global economy is expected to halt by the year-end before stabilising in 2010.

"In the worst case scenario, they said the downturn will prolong for another two to three years.

"Hence, they said there will be many retrenchments and reduced exports, and reminded us to prepare ourselves with more systematic programmes over the long-term to ensure that retrenched workers get new jobs," he said.

Cleaning and beautification work on Klang River to start in June
By CHRISTINA LOW


CLEANING and beautification work on the Klang River will begin in June, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said at a Meet the Consumers Day, organised by Syarikat Bekalan Air Sdn Bhd (Syabas) in Bandar Tasik Permaisuri, Cheras, yesterday.

The event was held in conjunction with World Water Day 2009, which fell yesterday,

Khalid said the state government estimated a cost of RM10bil for the project, which would span five years.

Rectifying work along the 120km-long river will include the removal of pollutants, dredging, prevention of further pollution and maintenance of water quality.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/23/central/m_06khalid.jpg
Precious resource: Khalid (left) with Syabas corporate communications and public affairs general manager Abdul Halem Mat Som (right) at Syabas’ Meet the Consumers Day.

Khalid added that three countries would be providing private funding for the project but declined to elaborate.

The highly-polluted river, which flows through Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, is joined by 11 major tributaries, including Sg Gombak, Sg Kerayong, Sg Damansara, Sg Keruh, Sg Kuyoh, Sg Penchala and Sg Ampang.

Khalid, who launched the event, also answered questions on the ongoing water issue in the state.

“If we (the Selangor government) get the chance to take over the water assets in the state, we will definitely not increase the water tariffs,” Khalid said.

However, he said, the ball was now in court of the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry to decide on the outcome of the issue.

On Feb 13, the state had offered RM5.71bil (RM4.6bil for all the water assets and RM1.1bil for equity) to the four privatised water service providers – Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Bekalan Air Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd – for the water assets as part of the national water restructuring exercise.

However, on Feb 18, two days before the deadline for them to respond to the state’s offer, the Energy, Water and Communica-tions Ministry directed Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) to negotiate directly with the concessionaires.

On Feb 27, it was reported that PAAB would soon make an offer worth about RM5bil to buy all the water assets from the four water concessionaires in Selangor.

Bid to clean up river


KLANG: The Selangor Government is in discussion with three European companies to clean and develop Klang River.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the state government was also in talks with some Singaporean parties on the project.

“We are discussing how the project would be managed and the processes involved in the cleaning-up of the river,” he said at a press conference after presenting RM120,000 to SJK (T) Ladang Highlands in Bandar Bukit Tinggi II, near here, yesterday.

He added that the discussions haven’t really gone into the minute details yet, but both parties have some idea on what needs to be done.

Khalid said that the mode of payment, such as whether it was to be in cash stretched out over a long period of time or in exchange for rights for real estate development was also being discussed.

Khalid said when the project starts; the first phase would be the river cleaning exercise.

Asked why local companies were not enlisted for the job, Khalid said that the foreign firms were expected to impart knowledge to the locals on how rivers are cleaned.

“The Klang River is the first case study,” he said. “And, once we have the expertise, we can proceed to clean the other rivers in the state on our own.”

The allocation given to SJK (T) Ladang Highlands would go towards the construction of two additional classrooms.

The school, which has only 19 classrooms currently, had to turn away about 150 students this year due to overcrowding.

Khalid also advised the school to obtain better results as the its academic performance was still somewhat unsatisfactory.

The school’s Parent Teacher Association chairman S. Kumaru said this was the first time the school had received a big entourage of state government officials.

Selangor: RM50b for clean-up, redevelopment
Published: 2009/03/21

Selangor also plans to transform the Klang River to allow development of an alternative public transportation system including boats and trains for those who commute to Kuala Lumpur daily.wow, they are going to have boats and trains on the river for public transportation! :banana: Train-boats in Selangor and Sky-buses in Penang?

Sigh...who writes these articles?

Cheers, m

River upgrading project on track
Saturday March 28, 2009
Story and photo by GEETHA KRISHNAN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/28/central/m_06jelok.jpg

Close to railway tracks: The Sungai Jelok-Sungai Langat
bypass project will be completed in November.

WORK to upgrade the water bypass from Sungai Jelok to Sungai Langat in Kajang is on schedule and will be completed by November.

The 1.8km bypass is included in the RM8mil Sungai Jelok upgrading project carried out by the Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).

Furthermore, the upgrading which kicked off in November 2008, is part of the ongoing flood mitigation project in Kajang involving the larger Sungai Langat.

At the site recently, Kajang municipal councillor Lee Learn Eng pointed out that sections of the bypass were being widened from 8m to 11m to divert water away from the town centre during flash floods.

“The bypass will be deepened from its original depth of 1.8m to 3m, while a flood wall will be built behind the old Mara arcade near Metro Plaza to the Kajang Market,” he said.

As a further update on the project, Lee said Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) had raised its cables to facilitate the work. Telekom Malaysia was expected to shift its cables soon.

Sheet piling work is also being carried out to protect KTMB railway tracks running almost parallel with the bypass.

The project may call for the sacrifice of several public parking bays but it is crucial to prevent the flash floods occurring in Kajang with alarming frequency.

Land near river bank illegally occupied
Saturday March 28, 2009
Story and photos by STUART MICHAEL

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/28/central/m_02zinc.jpg

Behind the fence: A quick look inside shows some
parked lorries and construction material lying around.

SEVERAL people have cleared and occupied the land beside the banks of the Klang River in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, causing some concern among the residents.

The residents are worried that their action may affect the functioning of the flood warning system installed there.

Just a month ago, the flood alarm failed to activate when the water rose to a near-danger level.

The residents are also unhappy with the influx of lorries at the area, posing danger to schoolchildren, women and the elderly, and also causing disturbances at night.

According to the residents, the land-grabbers had encroached on the land belonging to the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) at Jalan Mahir Tiga 25/44C, Jalan 25/46 and Jalan 25/50, about 30m from the Klang River.

One land grabber has sealed the place he occupied with green zinc at Jalan Mahir Tiga 25/44C while another had encroached into a piece of land beside the area. The land grabbers are also allegedly illegally tapping electricity and water supply.

A signboard in front of the green zinc states Hakmilik Persendirian or private land, with a contact number for enquiries.

StarMetro called the number a few times but it was directed to the voice mail each time.

According to resident Anbananthan Chengodan, 43, he had informed the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) about the matter three years ago and had also reported to the Local Government and Housing Ministry.

“The MBSA then sealed the place three months later, but the notice was found missing after a few months. Lorries are parked outside the place and, sometimes, when the lorries arrive in the middle of the night, they horn, causing the residents to have sleepless nights,” Anbananthan said.

“As I stay just opposite, I am badly affected by the noise. A few months ago, the water in the river rose and there were no alarms. I think the land grabbers had damaged or destroyed the sensor system,” he said.

Resident Loo Ah Fatt, 46, said the lorries lining up at the petrol stations also caused congestion in the area.

“There is a school nearby and the situation is dangerous for school- children.

“This is a residential area and there should not be any heavy vehicles plying the area,” he said.

According to MBSA corporate department operations assistant Nor Farhan Nor Rahim, the occupation of the land is illegal but the MBSA has no jurisdiction to do anything as the land belongs to the DID.

“It is up to the DID to take action on the illegal land grabbers,” he said.

Kan jalan2 & lebuh raya kat Malaysia ni cantik& lebar ! Nape tak letak lebih banyak bas & minivan atas jalan > kan selesai semua masalah !

Rivers under threat
Tuesday April 14, 2009
Stories by BAVANI M

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/14/central/m_pg01klangriver.jpg

IN most modern cities, rivers within their vicinity have become the focal point of business, resulting in heavy development and commercialisation of these primary natural resources.

The Seine River in Paris, the Singapore River in the Lion City, the Chao Phraya in Bangkok and the Thames in London, to name just a few famous ones, have all been turned into tourist destinations with massive commercial development around them.

In all these cities, businesses flourish along their river corridors and the aesthetic values the rivers offer to the city denizens such as scenic beauty, solitude, natural environment cannot be described with words but need to be experienced.

But, there is a heavy price to pay for the massive economic development and the blooming commercial activities along these rivers and within their vicinity.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/14/central/m_pg03jamek.jpg

Ugly sight: Rubbish from Sungai Klang stuck
underneath the Masjid Jamek LRT Station.

These rivers are slowly being killed by the unrestrained development which is often accompanied by massive pollution and other ecological damages.

Kuala Lumpur has its share of rivers, and its two main casualties are the Klang and Gombak rivers, but all is not lost yet as the federal government has pledged to rejuvenate the two rivers.

A technical report on ways to rehabilitate the two rivers has been completed recently and is awaiting for a decision on implementation from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The report is the result of an extensive study and research conducted by the Federal Territories Ministry into various measures required to clean and regenerate the two of Klang Valley’s dirtiest rivers.

Meanwhile, Malaysia can learn something about the rejuvenation of rivers from South Korea.

At last month’s international conference on World Class Sustainable Cities 2009 (WCSC 2009), South Korean delegate Kie-Wook Kwon from the Seoul Metropolitan Government presented a paper on “Riverside Development & Restoration of Cheong Gye Cheon River in Seoul”.

He spoke of how the South Korean government implemented an inspiring project to rehabilitate the rivers in Seoul.

Kwon told StarMetro during a recent interview that both the Klang and Gombak rivers could easily be rehabilitated.

“It is feasible since the rivers in KL are free of traffic, unlike those in Seoul,” he said.

Kwon cited the Han river as an example where water was pumped from the upstream of the Han River into the Cheong Gye Cheon River in Seoul to treat the river.

“In KL this would not be a problem as one only has to deal with water quality, but it can be done,’’ he said.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Drainage and River Management Department director Hooi Yoke Meng agreed that rejuvenating both rivers could be done, but pointed out that it would cost a lot of money.

“Our main priority is flood mitigation, quality control is secondary,’’ he said.

In the case of the Han River, Hooi pointed out that it had cost the South Korean government some US300mil, which is more than RM1bil, to rehabilitate and the rejuvenation project only covered a 6km length of the river. (mahalnya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shocked:)

“The question is are we willing to spend that kind of money for our rivers? Hooi asked. The government’s recent stimulus package is only RM60bil and I would think that the government would have to prioritise,’’ Hooi said.

According to Hooi, the draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 (KLCP2020) recognises that rivers, other than being a mere conduit to convey storm water, have also amenity and aesthetic values and, hence, places emphasis on improving, enhancing these values.

Hooi said that measures to improve the quality of the rivers had been considered and consolidated in plans.

“Rivers are a good resource to a city and there is potential in developing the river corridors into tourists attraction,’’ he said.

But this would take time and money and is not a feasible plan for now. Perhaps for the time being, the government should take an educational approach to solve the current urgent pollution problem.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail, a passionate advocate for clean rivers, had said on numerous occasions that people should change their perception of rivers and look at them as a resource rather than their rubbish dumping ground.

Hence, educating the public on the importance of keeping the rivers clean is probably a much more effective long-term solution.

Rivers under threat
Tuesday April 14, 2009
Stories by BAVANI M

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/14/central/m_pg01klangriver.jpg

IN most modern cities, rivers within their vicinity have become the focal point of business, resulting in heavy development and commercialisation of these primary natural resources.

The Seine River in Paris, the Singapore River in the Lion City, the Chao Phraya in Bangkok and the Thames in London, to name just a few famous ones, have all been turned into tourist destinations with massive commercial development around them.

In all these cities, businesses flourish along their river corridors and the aesthetic values the rivers offer to the city denizens such as scenic beauty, solitude, natural environment cannot be described with words but need to be experienced.

But, there is a heavy price to pay for the massive economic development and the blooming commercial activities along these rivers and within their vicinity.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/14/central/m_pg03jamek.jpg

Ugly sight: Rubbish from Sungai Klang stuck
underneath the Masjid Jamek LRT Station.

These rivers are slowly being killed by the unrestrained development which is often accompanied by massive pollution and other ecological damages.

Kuala Lumpur has its share of rivers, and its two main casualties are the Klang and Gombak rivers, but all is not lost yet as the federal government has pledged to rejuvenate the two rivers.

A technical report on ways to rehabilitate the two rivers has been completed recently and is awaiting for a decision on implementation from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The report is the result of an extensive study and research conducted by the Federal Territories Ministry into various measures required to clean and regenerate the two of Klang Valley’s dirtiest rivers.

Meanwhile, Malaysia can learn something about the rejuvenation of rivers from South Korea.

At last month’s international conference on World Class Sustainable Cities 2009 (WCSC 2009), South Korean delegate Kie-Wook Kwon from the Seoul Metropolitan Government presented a paper on “Riverside Development & Restoration of Cheong Gye Cheon River in Seoul”.

He spoke of how the South Korean government implemented an inspiring project to rehabilitate the rivers in Seoul.

Kwon told StarMetro during a recent interview that both the Klang and Gombak rivers could easily be rehabilitated.

“It is feasible since the rivers in KL are free of traffic, unlike those in Seoul,” he said.

Kwon cited the Han river as an example where water was pumped from the upstream of the Han River into the Cheong Gye Cheon River in Seoul to treat the river.

“In KL this would not be a problem as one only has to deal with water quality, but it can be done,’’ he said.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Drainage and River Management Department director Hooi Yoke Meng agreed that rejuvenating both rivers could be done, but pointed out that it would cost a lot of money.

“Our main priority is flood mitigation, quality control is secondary,’’ he said.

In the case of the Han River, Hooi pointed out that it had cost the South Korean government some US300mil, which is more than RM1bil, to rehabilitate and the rejuvenation project only covered a 6km length of the river. (mahalnya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shocked:)

“The question is are we willing to spend that kind of money for our rivers? Hooi asked. The government’s recent stimulus package is only RM60bil and I would think that the government would have to prioritise,’’ Hooi said.

According to Hooi, the draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 (KLCP2020) recognises that rivers, other than being a mere conduit to convey storm water, have also amenity and aesthetic values and, hence, places emphasis on improving, enhancing these values.

Hooi said that measures to improve the quality of the rivers had been considered and consolidated in plans.

“Rivers are a good resource to a city and there is potential in developing the river corridors into tourists attraction,’’ he said.

But this would take time and money and is not a feasible plan for now. Perhaps for the time being, the government should take an educational approach to solve the current urgent pollution problem.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail, a passionate advocate for clean rivers, had said on numerous occasions that people should change their perception of rivers and look at them as a resource rather than their rubbish dumping ground.

Hence, educating the public on the importance of keeping the rivers clean is probably a much more effective long-term solution.


Government trying to rehabilitate KL rivers
Tuesday April 14, 2009

DURING the 1900s, the confluence of Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak was a centre of commercial activities when traders would come in small sampans from Indonesia, docked at the confluence and conduct business there.

According to pioneer trader Maideen Kadir Shah, who owns shops at Wisma Yakin, his family came from Minang in Indonesia to set up trade and promote Islam at the spot, which used to be known as Kampung Rawa.

The early traders built two mosques in the area. Masjid India was originally built of wood in 1863, while Masjid Jamek, located at the meeting point of Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak, was built in 1907.

The two structures - undoubtedly the oldest mosques in KL – are testimony to the presence of the early traders and the importance of the rivers to the community in those days.

Today the government is trying its best to rehabilitate some of the KL rivers and is committed to prevent further destruction of the rivers as stated in the draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 (KLCP2020).

According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Drainage and River Management Department director Hooi Yoke Meng, after the primary objective of flood mitigation is achieved, the DBKL will work on improving the water quality of the rivers.

“Once the water quality is clean, there is plenty of potential in developing the river front as rivers will be fronting people’s front doors instead of back door,’’ Hooi said, adding that the economic potential were numerous.

Hooi said the priority focus of the KLCP2020 were progressive improvements of the Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak located within the city centre and along other rivers located outside the city centre where opportunities to create localised pedestrian connectivity along the river exit.

The KLCP2020 lists three major plans to improve the river quality:

(1) A designating riverside corridor where development on land located

within the corridor will need to be more sympathetic to the river by

taking measures to front the river and to provide public spaces

fronting the river;

(2) Removing industrial activities along river reserves and within river corridor; and

(3) Controlling land use and activities on land located within riverside corridor to eliminate polluting activities directly abutting rivers.

The proposed beautification project covers the Sungai Klang, Sungai Gombak, Sungai Kerayong and Sungai Kuyoh, and involves landscaping and treatment of river edge, treatment of river buffer, integration of activities as river nodes, provisions of continuous trails for walking, jogging and cycling.

The potential river activities for Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak within the city centre are between Putra World Trade Centre LRT station and Jalan Tun Razak, the Quality Hotel and the DBKL complex, Jalan Parlimen and Leboh Pasar Besar, the Masjid Jamek LRT and Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Tan Cheng Lock and Leboh Pasar Besar, and Pasar Seni and Jalan Damansara and the Klang bus station.

The existing shop lots along the area will be encouraged to develop the river front with al fresco activities, footpaths would be pedestrianised, river from residential and commercial buildings would be created and much more.

These rivers are slowly being killed by the unrestrained development which is often accompanied by massive pollution and other ecological damages.The writer from the Star should really be more careful when describing the rivers (Seine, Chao Praya, Singapore river) as "slowly being killed by unrestrained development"

Both the Seine and the Singapore river have been massively cleaned up and are now in reasonable shape. The Singapore river and Marina Bay are going to become a reservoir for drinking water for Singaporeans - a huge improvement. The Thames river has now got fish and people are recording sightings of mammal and bird species that have not been seen in years.

Cheers, m

The Thames river has now got fish and people are recording sightings of mammal and bird species that have not been seen in years.

Cheers, m

the Gombak River too has lot of fish, mr moaz. you should spend some times seeing people fishing in some part of the river...:yes:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3121086257_90d2f597b5_o.jpg

the Gombak River too has lot of fish, mr moaz. you should spend some times seeing people fishing in some part of the river...:yes:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3121086257_90d2f597b5_o.jpgI dont doubt it - though Im not sure what kind of fish can be found.

The Thames was declared officially dead through London, Osh - but it has come back to life.

Was that stretch of the Gombak officially declared dead?

Cheers, m

Klang & Gombak river
by jimwnyc
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimwnyc/3441277415/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3441277415_fa67007564_b.jpg

I dont doubt it - though Im not sure what kind of fish can be found.

The Thames was declared officially dead through London, Osh - but it has come back to life.

Was that stretch of the Gombak officially declared dead?

Cheers, m

there's no such declaration for rivers in KL/Selangor as i concern. only heard Sungai Pinang of Penang got declared dead.

so was that mean Thames was much in horrific condition compare to Sungai Gombak? emm...

there's no such declaration for rivers in KL/Selangor as i concern. only heard Sungai Pinang of Penang got declared dead.

so was that mean Thames was much in horrific condition compare to Sungai Gombak? emm...dead means that oxygen levels are so low that only 1-2 very hardy fish species can survive.

A pretty, scenic river can still be dead - while a dirty, badly landscaped river could still be alive.

Cheers, m

Residents offer views and ideas on urban renewal programme
By JADE CHAN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/6/central/m_pg01section3.jpg

IN early March, the Selangor government announced that it will allocate RM10bil for urban renewal activities, with a focus on redeveloping areas like Petaling Jaya and Klang.

The plan is part of a statewide scheme to create a catalyst for economic development and also includes the rehabilitation and cleaning up of the Klang River and expansion of the transportation for the entire state,

StarMetro spoke to several professionals and Petaling Jaya residents on what they think is needed to redevelop the city. Following are some of the comments:

Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) president Norliza Hashim, a town planning expert, feels that PJ should go for a regeneration rather than a redevelopment process.

“When we talk about regeneration, the rebuilding process should consider what already exists and its impact on the surrounding areas, which in this case is the community,” Norliza said.

“However, there is a need to be sensitive to the question of affordance and for a strong policy to be in place, because when redevelopment occurs, the cost of living is inadvertently increased,” she pointed out.

“Urban regeneration is needed, or else that part of the city won’t be developed. It is more sustainable to develop the ‘brownfield sites’, which is to upgrade, enhance and rejuvenate an existing area, rather than the developers’ preference to develop ‘greenfield sites’ of undeveloped space on the boundaries of the city.”

A brownfield is an urban area which is or has formerly been the site of commercial or industrial activity, especially one cleared and available for redevelopment, while a greenfield denotes building away from existing developments.

Norliza suggested that areas to be looked into should include public transportation, pedestrian walkways and social amenities.

“Opting for the bus is the simpler solution because it gets commuters almost directly to their destination. Reclaim one road lane as a dedicated bus route,” she said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/6/central/m_pg02norliza.jpg
Sports in the city: Norliza said the conversion of former industrial buildings into futsal courts was a great example of being creative.

“The concept takes getting used to but it is easier to use buses as a form of public transport in compact cities, provided the stops are well-planned and routes well-integrated.”

Norliza said walking should be enhanced by making pedestrian walkways barrier-free and continuous.

“There should be no obstructions on the walkways. It should have the correct width, gradient and level, with ramps, to allow senior citizens and those using wheelchairs and strollers to move about,” she said.

“With the increase in the younger population and number of educational institutions in PJ, there is a need for social amenities to cater to this group.”

Norliza said these amenities should be provided at fairly reasonable rates that could accommodate the young people’s lifestyles.

“Besides sports and recreation facilities, we should consider sharing other resources, such as opening school halls to the public after school hours or on weekends for sports or lifelong learning activities.

“We just need to be creative in finding solutions,” she said, citing the conversion of former industrial buildings into futsal courts as a good example.

On high-rise development, Norliza feels that it is all right to have one plot of land with a slight increase in density as it creates variety in the community, provided its scale, design and height is humane to its surroundings.

Norliza suggested that areas in PJ that could be looked into for rejuvenation are Section 13, PJ Old Town, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, Kampung Chempaka and the Old Klang Road stretch.

“The village areas need better infrastructure and facilities with proper housing structure, yet their close-knit community ties should be maintained. There should be proper consultation with the people to understand what they need,” she said.

“The regeneration has to be unique to the individual local area as each has its own issues and features. The PJ population comprises a mix of the older generation who may not been be keen on change, and the younger residents who require more amenities, so we have to be more sensitive when planning to accommodate all of them,” Norliza said.

Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Lee Chor Wah (above) said that the first thing was to address the bane of most Klang Valley denizens – the traffic congestion.

“A two-tiered highway should be built on the LDP Expressway and the Federal Highway. The residents should pressure the government for this to be done to address the traffic situation,” Lee said.

“The government should also invest its money on improving public transportation, such as improving the bus services,” he said.

“Once the public transportation system is improved, people would be willing to take the bus or train and not drive. The routes and stops have to be well-planned, such that senior citizens in remote suburbs also have access to buses,” Lee said.

He also said walking should be encouraged in the city by improving the walkways.

“One idea is to build connected walkways to improve the connectivity between train stations to bus stations. Another is to have elevated walkways at high traffic areas, like from the PJ Hilton to Menara Axis, the UMMC (Universiti Malaya Medical Centre) to Section 12, and Sungai Way New Village to Seri Setia KTM station,” Lee said.

“More trees should be planted and landscaping properly done to provide shaded walkways. The existing green space should also be enhanced, rejuvenated and made as useful as possible,” he said.

“If we plan things in a more considerate, caring and humane way, that would cater to the entire community.”

Lee feels that incentives should be given to developers and building owners to take up the green building concept.

“The green building concept promotes energy efficient methods, water-saving features, rain water harvesting, environmental quality control and other ways to save energy,” he said.

“The government should also consider re-zoning certain industrial areas like Section 13 to commercial, as its buildings and warehouses would otherwise be left derelict,” Lee said. “These former industrial zones need to be revitalised, but support facilities like shops and restaurants should also be put in place to support the local activities.”

On high-rise development, Lee said they could be regulated through the plot ratio, height control and density.

“A higher-density building should be better, as it would offer more ground space for the people to use.

“People shouldn’t oppose development; they can use that as an opportunity to get the developer to give something back to the community,” he said.

Lee said the principles of new urbanisation could be borrowed by having community shops within the neighbourhood to promote walking.

“It’s more convenient to walk to the nearby grocery store to get some simple day-to-day necessities. The charm and uniqueness of PJ Old Town should also be kept,” Lee said.

“The traffic and density should be improved, while the public transportation link is very important to attract people to use.”

To ensure a good retail mix in PJ Old Town, Lee said a mix of a control and free market system should be used to manage the type of businesses in the area while giving priority to existing traders.

“The government should look into engaging the community to encourage a better sense of belonging, such as giving the community maintenance money and the responsibility to take care of their own area,” Lee said.

PJ Old Town residents

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/6/central/m_pg02shamsuddin.jpg
Revitalise it: Shamsuddin said efforts should be made to improve the situation in PJ Old Town.

According to Section 3 Rukun Tetangga (RT) chairman Shamsuddin Hassan, there is a dire need to bring life back to the area, even though there is no space for redevelopment.

“We only have a market and bus station in the area, but we don’t have recreational facilities. What used to be a field is now a hockey stadium. We used to have a community hall and playground, but they have been replaced with a library,” he said.

Shamsuddin suggested that the existing facilities be maximised by turning the upper floor of the PJ Old Town bus station into an open-space cafe, while the ground floor area could have open kiosks selling takeaway food and drinks.

Another suggestion is to have a Sunday car boot sale or flea market at the parking lot next to the bus station.

Shamsuddin said because there were hardly any recreational facilities for youths in PJ Old Town, most of them had to travel to other parts of PJ and spend money for sports and recreational activities.

“We welcome the idea of turning the hockey stadium into a multi-purpose sports complex because that would cater to a wider group in our community,” he said.

Section 3 RT secretary Norashikin Ali feels that one section of the food court next to the market could be used as a youth centre.

Section 3 RT security officer Stanislaus Anthony said there should be more bus routes to service the town and bring back the liveliness that it had in the 1970s.

“The buses used to travel to various parts of PJ to service all the residents, but the routes now only go to KL, Puchong and Taman Medan,” he said.

“Despite that, we still have people from as far as Subang Jaya and Brickfields coming to the market because it is renowned for its reasonable prices and product freshness,” Anthony said.

The residents, most living at PJ Old Town for over 50 years, said the present infrastructure could not support the increasing traffic and that there was a lack of parking space in the area.

They complained that cars were often parked illegally and that shoppers preferred not to park at the market, even though it had parking space on its upper floors, because of the RM1.60 per hour parking charges and lack of lifts for shoppers’ convenience.

“PJ was originally developed as a satellite town, with the pioneer residents staying in PJ Old Town which comprises Sections 1, 1A, 18, 2, 3 and 4,” Shamsuddin said.

“Section 1 was the first new town built by the British, while Section 3 was the first low-cost housing area in the city,” he said.

“What is unique about our community is that because we’re so close-knit, we can immediately recognise when a resident or stranger is passing by. We now have four generations of people, but we still know practically everyone,” Shamsuddin said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/6/central/m_pg03cafe.jpg
Lifeline needed: Shamsuddin also suggested turning the upper floor of the PJ Old Town bus station into an open-space cafe.

PJ Old Town Residents Assocation secretary Connie Foong noted that the 60-year lease for the PJ Old Town land title would be expiring soon, and hoped that the government would change the land status from its present leasehold title to freehold.

Kg Chempaka residents

Kampung Chempaka Rukun Tetangga chairman Lee Meng Chong said he would like to see some upgrading of facilities within the village.

He feels that the villagers are lagging in terms of development even though they are surrounded by massive development.

“There are many problems in the area like the lack of parking and the roads are too narrow. Sometimes, Alam Flora can’t even get into some of the roads,” Lee said.

Although the land in Kampung Chempaka could fetch a hefty price, Lee doubted that many owners would sell their land.

“After we received our land titles, many of us spent quite a lot of money on renovating our houses,” Lee said.

Residents offer views and ideas on urban renewal programme
By JADE CHAN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/6/central/m_pg01section3.jpg

IN early March, the Selangor government announced that it will allocate RM10bil for urban renewal activities, with a focus on redeveloping areas like Petaling Jaya and Klang.

The plan is part of a statewide scheme to create a catalyst for economic development and also includes the rehabilitation and cleaning up of the Klang River and expansion of the transportation for the entire state,

StarMetro spoke to several professionals and Petaling Jaya residents on what they think is needed to redevelop the city. Following are some of the comments:

Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) president Norliza Hashim, a town planning expert, feels that PJ should go for a regeneration rather than a redevelopment process.

“When we talk about regeneration, the rebuilding process should consider what already exists and its impact on the surrounding areas, which in this case is the community,” Norliza said.

“Urban regeneration is needed, or else that part of the city won’t be developed. It is more sustainable to develop the ‘brownfield sites’, which is to upgrade, enhance and rejuvenate an existing area, rather than the developers’ preference to develop ‘greenfield sites’ of undeveloped space on the boundaries of the city.”

A brownfield is an urban area which is or has formerly been the site of commercial or industrial activity, especially one cleared and available for redevelopment, while a greenfield denotes building away from existing developments.

Norliza suggested that areas to be looked into should include public transportation, pedestrian walkways and social amenities.

“Opting for the bus is the simpler solution because it gets commuters almost directly to their destination. Reclaim one road lane as a dedicated bus route,” she said.


Selangor State government should have some masterplan to convert Petaling Jaya as a real alternative to Kuala Lumpur rather than just being a 'hinterland'


To refurbish/regenerate the old area (PJ Old Town)
To increase density in some of the 'Seksyen' as well as to increase the number of residential in Damansara.
To strengthen Damansara as PJ's business hub.
To have a PJ public transportation hub

Selangor State government should have some masterplan to convert Petaling Jaya as a real alternative to Kuala Lumpur rather than just being a 'hinterland'


To refurbish/regenerate the old area (PJ Old Town)
To increase density in some of the 'Seksyen' as well as to increase the number of residential in Damansara.
To strengthen Damansara as PJ's business hub.
To have a PJ public transportation hub

Sokong! Email Tony Pua and the various MPs and ADUNs and councillors with your idea. Post to Tony Pua's blog also.

Cheers, m

by silangwx
http://www.flickr.com/photos/silang/3368203042/

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/03/20/09/56/2905656_900x900.JPG

Gombak & Klang river
by Gerard W(: )ng
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gerardwong80/3509937917/in/set-72157617741619661/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3509937917_7ac21b0710_o.jpg

by Emeka B
http://www.flickr.com/photos/emekab/3689977841/

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Sungai Gombak
by Syafiq Akhmal @ YuB@R!X
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sapik_ekmal/3694976530/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3694976530_c4f24e5279_o.jpg

Scenic riverside projects to ensure folk show care for the waterways
Tuesday July 7, 2009
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/7/central/m_pg01sepang.jpg

DEVLOPERS of future housing projects near rivers must include a landscape programme to beautify the site.

Selangor deputy tourism chairman Edward Lee said Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had made the proposal and for the formation of the Klang River Authority (KRA), a committee which would be tasked with regulating the development of riverside projects.

Lee, who is also Bukit Gasing assemblyman, said the proposal was to get developers to landscape and beautify the sites.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/7/central/m_pg02mns.jpg

Teamwork: Malaysian Nature Society volunteers cleaning up the river
behind the Environmental Interpretive Centre in Sepang.

“Ideally, the houses should face the rivers and if the waterways are clean and the surroundings landscaped, these would fetch a better price as in the case of developments fronting lakes,” he said during the World Environment Day held at the Environmental Interpretive Centre in Sepang recently.

He said this was a programme which was first started by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department which worked with the local councils to include beautification programmes in their building plans.

Lee. who was representing Tourism, consumer affairs and environment chairman Elizabeth Wong, said the state government was concerned about problems like river pollution and erosion.

He said they were urging developers to build houses facing rivers so that residents would refrain from polluting the waterways.

“If the back of houses faced the rivers, then we would have residents dumping garbage there,’’ he said, adding that the mentri besar would come out with a blueprint.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/7/central/m_pg02lee.jpg

Symbolic act: Lee watering a plant to celebrate the launch of World
Environment Day while members of the Malaysian Nature Society look on.

Lee said although the policy was not in place yet, the committee was identifying sites along riversides that could be part of the programme.

“We will wait for the mentri besar to make the final announcement as river management is a complex task and planning is needed to ensure that rivers are kept free of pollution at its source,’’ he said.

It is learnt that the state government is embarking on a RM10bil project to clean up its longest river and is keen to tap Singapore’s experience in river-cleaning.

Selangor aims to clean its 120km Sungai Klang in a 20-year project lasting till 2030.

Sepang Municipal Council president Azizan Mohd Sidin said the council would embark on an aggressive river-cleaning project and get the local residents involved as well.

Bringing river back to life

2009/07/22
By Sheila Sri Priya

http://streets.nst.com.my/Wednesday/Stories/20090722001839/insidepix1
The Sungai Way river which was polluted in the past is now looking cleaner and even has wetland plants growing in it.

PETALING JAYA: The Sungai Way river has been given a new lease of life.

The once badly polluted river is now looking much cleaner and even has wetland plants growing in it.

The positive outcome is due to the success of the Working Actively Through Education and Rehabilitation (Water) project, which is an initiative by the Guinness Anchor Bhd (GAB) Foundation and Global Environment Centre (GEC).

“Wetland plants can help to reduce the velocity of the river, encourages
the growth of aquatic species and enables the plants to absorb the pollutants,” said GEC’s coordinator of River Care Programme, Dr K. Kalithasan.


Sungai Way, a tributary of Sungai Penchala, was often mistaken for a monsoon drain in the past due to its pollution.

Many, in fact, have forgotten that in the 1950s, the new village settlement in Seri Setia SS9A across the Federal Highway was named after the river.

In December 2007, GAB Foundation together with the GEC started a three-year project to clean and rehabilitate Sungai Way.

They also roped in residents from the nearby Desa Mentari flats and educated them on the importance of keeping the river clean.

After a year of river rehabilitation activities, including community awareness programmes and training sessions for the residents and GAB staff, the efforts are showing positive results.

The river now attracts birds and the wetland plants are thriving.

Members of the media, representatives of GAB and GEC, who visited the river yesterday, were impressed by the improvement of the river compared to its condition a year ago.

“We hope that by the end of the year, we could release some fish into the river.

“The GAB foundation has also worked with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage to install rubbish and grease traps at various locations along Sungai Way to help keep the river clean,” said GAB Foundation management committee director Renuka Indrarajah.

A resident representative from the Desa Mentari flats nearby, R. Saravanan, said initially it was difficult for residents to understand why they should not throw rubbish into the river.

“The understanding of the residents on the importance of keeping the river clean has improved and it shows in the river condition now.

“But we need cooperation from upstream communities like the market traders in Sungai Way and residents from SS9 and SS3 to stop throwing their waste into the river,” he said.

He said Desa Mentari residents had come a long way and now have a greater understanding on how to keep their environment, especially the river, clean after being involved in the Water project.

“We have residents going into the river to clear the waste voluntarily and they even have a small area to turn the waste into compost.

“We are grateful to the GAB Foundation and GEC for helping us to improve our river as it will also improve the quality of living here,” said Saravanan.

Making a splash
By SHARMILLA GANESAN


Clean-up efforts are making Sungai Way cleaner and healthier not only for aquatic life, but for those living nearby too.

Walking by the Sungai Way river in Selangor was an unpleasant experience less than two years ago. The water was “colourful”, thanks to the numerous plastic bags, empty containers and other rubbish caught in it. Forget about seeing any aquatic life. You’d be lucky to see into the water at all. And to top it all off, there was the pervasive stench of rotting garbage and pooled, dirty water.

Now, however, it’s a completely different picture. Garbage and grease traps have been installed to stem refuse, and young trees have been planted along the river bank. There are also little green “islands” at different points along the river, the beginnings of a proper habitat for flora and fauna.

This change was spearheaded thanks to the efforts of the GAB Foundation, the corporate responsibility arm of Guinness Anchor Berhad. The foundation focuses on three areas: environmental conservation, education and community.

The mainstay of the environmental thrust is the Working Actively Through Education and Rehabilitation (WATER) Project, under which the River Rehabilitation Project was established. Launched in partnership with the Global Environment Centre (GEC), the project is a three-year programme that focuses on improving the quality of the water in Sungai Way, and engaging the communities living along the river to take responsibility for its condition.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/11/lifefocus/f_04river.jpg
Little sanctuaries: Small, vegetated islands along the river provide habitat for flora and fauna.

It is hoped that the project will create a working model of community participation in river management that can then be applied to other rivers nationwide.

The main sources of pollution to Sungai Way are solid and liquid waste from residential, commercial and industrial areas. Thus, the project brings together the various stakeholders, including corporate companies, government agencies and the local communities to ensure long-term success.

The communities tapped to be involved in the project are those in the Kampung Lindungan, Desa Mentari and Desa Ria areas, with residents of SS3 and SS9A getting involved in the upstream river efforts.

GEC’s river care programme co-ordinator Dr K. Kalithasan stresses that it was very important to include the residents. “For most of the residents, solid waste management is just a matter of throwing and dumping. In order to make a significant, long-term difference, we have to involve the community in the process. It allows the community to take ownership of the river and express their views,” he says.

He explains that at the beginning of the project, Sungai Way’s water quality was classified as Class IV or V, which is at the lowest end. The project aims to bring it up to a Class III.


‘We have spotted catfish, eels, snakeheads, dragonflies and birds at the river,’ says Dr K. Kalithasan.
GAB Foundation management committee director Renuka Indrarajah says the project was mooted because clean water is increasingly becoming a scarce resource in Malaysia. “The signs are all around us. Most urban households have at least one water filter in their house, and Malaysians are starting to experience occasional water shortage. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has also started to pay more attention to conserving our rivers.

“And of course, clean water is an essential ingredient of GAB’s products, and we feel we should contribute towards its conservation,” she explains. “Sungai Way is right in our backyard, and it badly needed help. It was the perfect place to kick things off.”

In order to impress the importance of river conservation, GAB and GEC organised workshops and training sessions for the residents to learn how to monitor the water quality of the river. Events like a study tour to Penang and a River Carnival were also organised to raise awareness of the campaign.

The next step was for the residents to implement measures to rehabilitate the river. Besides installing grease and rubbish traps, the residents also planted trees along the river bank. They further created habitats in order to attract fauna that would turn the river into a thriving ecosystem.

According to Kalithasan, when the project started, the river only contained snails, bloodworms and mosquito fish, because there was not enough flowing water and no shade.

The establishment of small green “islands” at various points in the river encouraged invertebrates to multiply in the river, which in turn attracted fish, insects and birds.


‘Sungai Way is right in our backyard, and it badly needed help,’ says Renuka Indrarajah.
“We cannot yet say how successful the efforts have been, but we have spotted catfish, eels, snakeheads, dragonflies and birds at the river, which is a very positive indication,” says Kalithasan. “The objective is to turn Sungai Way from a dead river into a living river.”

Furthermore, the project, in partnership with the Selangor Department of Environment, will engage the business community in the area to make them aware of their role in rehabilitating Sungai Way.

Currently, about 40 downstream residents volunteer on some weekends to pick up rubbish, maintain the green islands and trees, and clean the garbage traps. Several others are given an allowance to clean up the river on a daily basis.

GAB and GEC have also gotten the co-operation of the residents living upstream, and are waiting to provide them with training.

Desa Mentari co-ordinator and representative Saravanan Ratnam is confident that the residents will continue to take care of Sungai Way.

“Before, we only knew how to dump rubbish into the river, we didn’t think about what would happen afterwards. But now, we’ve learnt the importance of keeping the river clean. People are willing to go into the river and collect rubbish. This is something no one would have done before.

“The river used to be smelly and full of rubbish. Now, we are so proud of it. We can now look at it as a sungai (river) not a parit (drain),” he says.

Klang River to makeover!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3972355763_166c68da27_b.jpg

South Korea keen on Klang river rehabilitation project, says Khalid
Friday November 06 2009
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/42474-south-korea-keen-on-klang-river-rehabilitation-project-says-khalid

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/images/stories/2009nov2/1105_khalid.jpg

Selangor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (left) seen here
at an official ceremony in this file photo - Picture by Jack Ooi

SHAH ALAM, Nov 5 — South Korea is keen to participate in the RM20 billion Klang River rehabilitation project that will provide the impetus to stimulate economic growth in Selangor, the country’s most developed state.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he was informed that South Korean President Lee Myung-bak will be visiting Malaysia next year and he (Khalid) is looking forward to meet him.

“South Korea is Selangor’s sixth largest FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) source, followed by Taiwan and Thailand,” he said when opening the 14th East Asian Entrepreneurs’ Summit 2009.

The Selangor Government ,in the recently unveiled economic stimulus package for the state, identified six major areas that are paramount to spur economic growth. The areas are cleaning and rehabilitating the Klang River, expanding the transportation system, upgrading and replacing water assets, urban renewal programme, reviving abandoned housing projects, and increasing paddy yield.

Khalid said the areas are expected to woo more than RM50 billion investments and create some 150,000 jobs.

The Menteri Besar said the state government will strive to attract investments in high value-added and technology-intensive projects.

He said the manufacturing sector remained the prime mover for Selangor’s economic growth.

“For the period between 2000 and July 2009, 2,812 manufacturing projects worth RM68 billion in total investment were approved. Of the total, RM35.43 billion were foreign investments,” he said.

The United States, Japan, Germany, Singapore and Britain are major FDI sources for Selangor, added Khalid, a former corporate figure. — Bernama

:banana:

^^dats cool!!!....

But when? A lot of pollutions actually come from the squatters... where the river becomes their dumpster.

^^that's the problem lah...

but, i think i still can resist the smell lah...:lol: tak lah busuk sgt pun, Sungai Chao Phraya kat BKK tu pun bukan lah harum sgt pun, tp banyak dining places along the river...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3121086257_90d2f597b5_o.jpg

^^btw, cuba tgk sungai gombak kat Bandar Baru Sentul, orang selalu memancing kat situ, dan mmg ada banyak ikan...seriously! so, it proves that the water quality of our rivers is still 'acceptable' :yes:

or they are wearing mask ,:nuts:
We can have water police to stop peoples from throwing rubbish.

Selangor Planning Project To Rehabilitate Klang River

SHAH ALAM, Jan 22 — The Selangor government, which has identified river rehabilitation and development as a potential catalyst for growth and employment opportunity in the state, is planning to launch a project in the royal town of Klang.

If properly rehabilitated, the 120km long Klang River could be converted into an important waterway and the surrounding land transformed into premium real estate, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said this week.

He was speaking to a 20-men delegation from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chambers of Commerce, which had asked for the special briefing.

With foreign direct investments on the decline, Malaysia’s most industrial state and business centre needs domestic investors to step up. But it is also hoping to find support for its long-term “economic stimulus packages” of which the rehabilitation and development of the Klang River and urban regeneration programmes are top priorities given their potential to value add and create jobs.

As the country’s most prosperous state, Selangor accounts for a fifth of its gross domestic product. The state’s fall to the opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat in Election 2008 was a huge blow to the Barisan Nasional which has vowed to win Selangor back.

Khalid — formerly a corporate chieftain who headed the country’s biggest state asset management company, Permodalan Nasional, as well as plantation company Guthrie before he entered politics — will have his work cut out delivering growth for Malaysia’s most populous state.

According to state officials, Selangor’s population expanded by about 10 per cent last year and is expected to increase to 8-10 million in 2020 from slightly over 5 million as Malaysians throughout the country flock to the Klang Valley in search of better jobs.

State officials want to take a leaf out of Singapore’s clean up of the Singapore and Kallang rivers so that greater economic value can be derived from the Klang River, a third of which runs through Kuala Lumpur.

Although the potential from the “very big cake” is enormous, so are the challenges. Malaysia’s highly charged political environment aside, illegal settlements and waste discharge — both industrial and human — are also daunting obstacles. Moreover, the state lacks the requisite funds.

Even so, it appears committed to funding the land surveys and studies which companies would need if they are to participate — envisaged in the form of private finance initiatives — in the river rehabilitation programme.

Khalid has been assuring businessmen that the state wants to create an environment conducive for their business, and in this week’s meeting with the tycoons, he quipped: “I will be worried if you are not making money.”

Among the delegation were the Association of Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia president and Lion group chieftain William Cheng, association deputy secretary-general David Chua and property magnate Teo Chiang Kok of See Hoy Chan Holdings.

Although still in early stages, the state’s request for proposals resulted in 12 submissions, including a few which had roped in foreign partners from Singapore, Korea and the Netherlands.

“There were different submissions. Some for rehabilitation of the river, some for development, and some for water transport operation,” said Tricia Yeoh who is research officer to Khalid. Three were short- listed and another two were asked to revert with further details.

The proposed maiden project is “quite a holistic cleaning up” she said, but added the agreement has not been signed. Yeoh said the government is looking for people who have worked on the Singapore river cleaning projects, “to advise us based on proposals received.” — Business Times Singapore

Cleaning up Klang River to start soon

KLANG: The first phase of the RM50bil rehabilitation and cleaning up of the Klang River is about to get under way.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the initial stage, costing an estimated RM2bil, would begin in the royal town soon.

He said the state had selected four private companies, including a British firm, towork on the project. The firms are TSS-Mako Engineering Sdn Bhd, GJI Engineering and Construction, Wessex Water I-Berhad Consortium (YTL and i-Bhd lah) and DPZ Asia Sdn Bhd.

Khalid said the initial project would comprise the building of a RM1bil water treatment plant and development along the riverbank, also estimated at RM1bil.

“That project, along the 21km stretch of the river, will take between three and four years to complete before it proceeds to other areas like Shah Alam and Subang Jaya,” he told reporters during the Klang River carnival at Taman Pengkalan Batu here Saturday.

The carnival, which was also attended by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, was held as part of the state’s efforts to promote rehabilitation and development of rivers.

The Klang River clean-up, which is an initiative among the state’s economic stimulus packages, is expected to take 15 years to complete. Earlier, Sultan Sharafuddin flagged off a cross-country run that was held in conjunction with the event.

Some 5,000 people took part in the run.

The Ruler also led the way by signing a pledge to protect and treasure the Klang River.

cleaning the river is useless if public mentality still does not change.

educate the people do not throw rubbish into longkang and rivers, saman them if necessary, if not how the government clean the river the river is still dirty.

Four firms chosen to rehabilitate and develop Klang River
By Au Foong Yee. theedgeproperty.com
Saturday, 13 March 2010 23:54

KLANG: The Selangor state government has picked four companies it will partner to rehabilitate and develop the Klang River, a project which was the main thrust of the state's economic stimulus package unveiled last year.

The four are: TSS-Mako Engineering Sdn Bhd, GJA Engineering Sdn Bhd, Wessex Water I-Bhd Consortium and DPZ Asia Sdn Bhd. The first three companies had been chosen from the 37 companies that responded last October to the state's advertised search for proposals. DPZ Asia is a planning and design company involved in major development projects worldwide, Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said in a press statement March 13.

He said TSS-Mako Engineering, GJA Engineering and Wessex Water I-Bhd had experience and technical expertise in river cleaning and development as well as the financial capabilities. TSS-Mako, said the menteri besar, combined local talents with three of Korea's biggest engineering firms. Its water river projects include the South Han River Maintenance, Seoul-Incheon Navigation Channel Project and Gemalink Container terminal Phase One in Vietnam.

GJA Engineering is a 100% owned Bumiputera company which, in the last three years, has been involved in the development of "design and build projects" for the Malaysian Education Ministry.

YTL Power International's Wessex, a UK-based company, is a regional water and sewage treatment business supplying some 353 million litres of water daily to about 1.25 million people in South West England. For the Klang River project, Wessex will partner Malaysian listed company I-Bhd, the developer of up-and-coming multi-billion ringgit digital I-City taking shape in Shah Alam, Selangor's state capital.

Efforts to clean the Klang River in the past had been unsuccessful but the state government was determined to be succesful this time. "The state is committed to the realisation of the economic and social value of the Klang River to the people of Selangor," added the menteri besar.

Meanwhile, Bernama, quoting Abdul Khalid at a press conference on the sidelines of the Klang River Carnival at Taman Pengkalan Batu in Klang March 13, said RM1 billion would be spent in development cost while another RM1 billion would be spent to clean and rehabilitate the Klang River.

The government has gazetted a 50-metre "river reserve" to prevent any new development or settlement coming up along the 120-km long river. The initial stage of the project would take two to three years to complete. The whole project will take about 15 years.

I think the title of this thread needs to be changed & the thread moved to the 2020 section...because the government has dropped the "transport plan" part and is only focusing on the river cleanup.

Cheers, m

yup..why are u guys posting news of the rehabilitation of the klang river under this thread?...confusing meh?..berterabur?..haha

yup..why are u guys posting news of the rehabilitation of the klang river under this thread?...confusing meh?..berterabur?..haha
^^ko kene baca topic ni dari awal.....and make u own conclusion after dat....

I think the title of this thread needs to be changed & the thread moved to the 2020 section...because the government has dropped the "transport plan" part and is only focusing on the river cleanup.

Cheers, m
yeap agreed...probably under urban

oh i tot they cleaning up river first then later boleh introduce river transportation (as opposed to rail) bukan?

Our narrow river let me thinks of aerorail.

^^ko kene baca topic ni dari awal.....and make u own conclusion after dat....

nope..i still think that there is too many threads or topics that is overlapping each other..it's just confusing..i think it's time for for the all the threads to be reorganized and put in the right places...i think there's already another thread on this topic started by nazrey at the URBAN site...

Klang River Project Expected To Be Under PFI Initiative
March 16, 2010 23:19 PM

SHAH ALAM, March 16 (Bernama) -- The Klang River rehabilitation and development project, which is part of the Selangor state's economic stimulus package, is expected to be under a private financing initiative (PFI).

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said a detailed briefing on the project would be held on March 29, 2010.

"We will come out with a detailed briefing whereby all the four companies involved and the state will discuss on the scheme and how to allocate the task of cleaning up the river," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after a briefing on the i-City, a retail and commercial hub with advanced information and communications technology infrastructure, here on Tuesday.

"In terms of equipments and assignment of jobs, it will be done through open tender and it will be transparent but in terms of planning and strategic equity, it will be managed by the four companies," he added.

The four companies are TSS-Mako Engineering Sdn Bhd, GJA Engineering Sdn Bhd, Wessex Water I-Bhd Consortium and DPZ Asia Sdn Bhd.

"There will be two resources that can help fund this project, one is water and the other is river reserve. If you manage to clean up the water, it can satisfy 10 per cent of the water requirements in the Klang Valley," Khalid said.

Asked if there would be sale of sand to help in funding the project, he said: "Yes, it will involve sand but it is not much."

According to him, there is also an element of savings in flood mitigation.

-- BERNAMA

nope..i still think that there is too many threads or topics that is overlapping each other..it's just confusing..i think it's time for for the all the threads to be reorganized and put in the right places...i think there's already another thread on this topic started by nazrey at the URBAN site...then this thread should be focusing on the public transport plan, not the rivers.

Cheers, m

yup...

Our narrow river let me thinks of aerorail.Or the Wuppertal monorail. They shut it down recently for safety concerns. Maybe we can buy it for KL?

http://www.hudsoncity.net/culture/german/wuppertalschwebebahn.jpg
http://www.twip.org/photo/2008/photo-25-12-08-12-19-03.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Wuppertaler_Schwebebahn.JPG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPnKbSvHj6c

Cheers, m

^It must be the stupid EU regulations that's made the wupperthal unsafe.

It perfect for melaka lah allurbun:cheers:Then bank rakyat can sponsor it.

Wuppertal Schwebebahn or hanging monorail is shut down because they have to renew some beams and support according to this (http://www.wsw-online.de/mobilitaet/Schweben_Sehen/Ausbau_2010/index.htm) (sorry in german, i can read though). This hanging monorail is very old. So 'of safety reasons' here means replacing rusty beams, not because of accidents .

according to the website too, the hanging monorail will be opened after easter holiday.

Here is another hanging monorail. This time it is from Düsseldorfer Flughafen (Düsseldorf airport, Germany)

http://www.monorails.org/webpix%202/SkyTrain03.jpg
http://monorails.org/webpix%202/SkyTrain02.jpg

moar here (http://monorails.org/tmspages/skytrain.html).

Cleaning up Gombak, Klang Rivers
Published: 2010/03/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/wessex/Article/

WESSEX Water Ltd is expected to start work on the ambitious project of rehabilitating the highly polluted Klang and Gombak Rivers in Selangor and treating the water to make it safe for drinking at the latest by early next year.

The RM15 billion project will span 15 years.

Wessex Water is a veteran in water treatment and sewerage services, and first made its name in southwestern England.

It made a successful joint bid with information technology (IT)-based property developer I-Berhad for a portion of the entire project and will be working in the lower reaches of the Klang River, between Puchong and Shah Alam.

Two other successful bidders - TSS-Mako Engineering Sdn Bhd and GJA Engineering and Construction - will work in the upper reaches of both rivers.

Wessex Water managing director Gareth Jones said the company received a letter of appointment from the state government recently.

He said its portion of the project will cost between RM400 million and RM600 million, depending on where the state government wants to locate the water treatment plant, among other considerations.

Wessex Water will use methods similar to those it applied to projects in Argentina and Mexico where water from rivers was supplied for consumption after undergoing comprehensive treatment processes.

The company, headquartered in Bath, England, is a subsidiary of YTL Corp Bhd.

News of the successful bid came close on the heels of the YTL group's results for the six months ended December 31 2009. It saw pre-tax profit increase 20 per cent to RM1 billion on a 134 per cent jump in revenue to RM7.9 billion compared with the previous corresponding period.

Wessex Water partner I-Berhad, meanwhile, has been making significant progress in its flagship IT property venture, I-City. The 30ha RM2 billion project boasts of 20Mbps broadband speed, comprehensive fibre optic network and back-up power supply.

River again

Klang River make over
By Wong King Wai of theedgeproperty.com
Friday, 19 March 2010 19:14

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The 120km long Klang River, which flows through the state of Selangor and the city of Kuala Lumpur, is slated for rehabilitation. Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has spearheaded a plan to clean up the river, at least in the 80km under Selangor's jurisdiction.

With the help of award-winning architect and town planner Kamal Ariffin Zaharin, director of DPZ Asia, the plan is to return the Klang River to its glory days to attract tourists and increase real estate values along its banks.

Selangor BN wants MB to explain decision to pick DPZ Asia for Klang River project
By Bernama
Tuesday, 13 April 2010 20:13

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen want Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to brief how the state government had selected DPZ Asia Sdn Bhd as one of the four companies to undertake the rehabilitation and cleaning up of the Klang River.

Acting opposition leader Datuk Mohamad Satim Diman said the selection of DPZ Asia had raised doubts and wanted the Pakatan Rakyat led state government, to clarify the process involved in the selection, and why it was not done through an open tender.

Earlier reports had indicated that the Klang River clean-up, which is an initiative among the state’s RM50 billion economic stimulus packages, was estimated to cost RM10 billion.

"We [Barisan Nasional state assemblymen] want to know from where the state government was going to get the RM50 billion and how the money was going to be disbursed to the companies involved," he said.

Mohamad Satim (BN-Sri Serdang) said he was made to understand that four companies were appointed for the project and DPZ Asia was one of them.

"We want the Menteri Besar to explain why he personally chose the company and not by way of an open tender," he said.

He also urged the state government to furnish details of the RM315 million allocated by the Federal government to the state, for the maintenance of roads by Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Selangor and the local councils, last year.

A detailed report must be submitted since the Works Minister Datuk Seri Shaziman Abu Mansor had earlier slammed the state government for not providing enough funds to JKR for the maintenance of roads in Selangor, he said.

He said the state government had given Selangor JKR only RM45 million while the rest of the money, RM270 million, has not been accounted for.

"We want the Menteri Besar to give details on how much was allocated to each local council," he said. -- Bernama

....bagthiar..plz move dis forum to urban..tq

YTL unit may drop out of project to clean Klang River
By YVONNE TAN
yvonne@thestar.com.my


PETALING JAYA: YTL Corp Bhd’s Wessex Water Ltd may no longer participate in the multi-billion ringgit project to rehabilitate and develop the polluted Klang River, sources said.

Britain-based Wessex is a water treatment and sewerage specialist, which together with property developer I-Bhd had been part of a consortium bidding for the Selangor government project.

It is understood that Wessex, together with another consortium and a company, had been chosen to work on different aspects of the project.

The other consortium is TSS-Mako Engineering Sdn Bhd while the company is GJA Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd.

The master planner is DPZ Asia, an architectural and planning firm based in the United States.

According to Tricia Yeoh, a research officer to the Selangor Mentri Besar, the state government is still studying the proposals submitted by the companies.

“We are evaluating and figuring out the best business model for this project,” Yeoh said when contacted yesterday.

She declined to say whether Wessex was still keen on the project, but confirmed that I-Bhd would lead the Wessex Water I-Bhd group portion for the project.

The Klang River stretches 120km, with the first 80km under the purview of Selangor and the balance 40km under the Federal Government.

“For now, we are only focusing on the first 80km; it (rehabilitation and development) will be done in portions,” Yeoh said.

The massive project is being spearheaded by Selangor MB Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to enhance the state’s tourism and economic profile.

It was unveiled last year as part of the state’s stimulus package.

According to reports, the development of the river banks could attract new development and redevelopment projects with gross development value of more than RM50bil, creating thousands of jobs along the way.

Although being spearheaded by the state, financing for the project largely would come from private firms, Yeoh said.

The entire project is estimated to cost some RM15bil and is expected to span 15 years.

can one of the moderators please update the title of this thread and move it to the proper subforum - it's clearly not transport-related anymore.

Cheers, m

This project is fabulous, with river canal cruise, it is perfect.

Pemandu to set up performance management hub
Posted on December 7, 2010, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=79194

KUCHING: The public transport services, especially in Kuala Lumpur, are set to see marked improvements in the quality of service delivery, as the Urban Public Transport (UPT) National Key Results Area (NKRA) of the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) undertook concrete measures to develop a standard that would serve as a guideline for all bus operators.

In Performance Management and Delivery Unit’s (Pemandu) press statement, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive officer Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal.said, “Since June this year, we have begun gathering reports from bus operators such as RapidKL, Len Seng, Klang Banting and Setara Jaya (SJ).”

“We will make our assessments on the various situations based on the reports collected from these public transport operators, identify and address the issues that may affect the performance of their services and work to resolve them to ensure that their services to the ‘rakyat’ are not in any way hampered.

“The assessment will have to meet the standards set by our stringent key performance indicators (KPIs) such as punctuality, comfort and cleanliness.”

The press release stated that currently, the Integrated Transportation and Information System (ITIS) was being used to monitor traffic, accidents, construction and other situations that would occur on the roads and highways.

Nur Ismal said the government was exploring the possibility of repurposing ITIS as an initiative of the UPT NKRA to become the Performance Management hub to monitor, among others, the performance of the bus services in the Klang Valley.

From merely a system to monitor traffic and road occurrences, the hub would now monitor all public transport vehicles, enforce regulations as well as monitor the safety and security of all public transport. It would also serve as a data management centre that would allow the exchange of information among the relevant agencies working together.

Furthermore, information would be transmitted ‘live’ from the operators directly to the hub for effective performance monitoring.

“The Performance Monitoring Hub has very specific functions which are to regulate public transport, monitor compliance and enforce the Public Land Transport Act,” said Nur Ismal.

He added, “The long-term plan is to monitor public transport vehicles not only in the Kuala Lumpur, but also in the Klang Valley followed by the various states in the peninsula as well as Sabah and Sarawak.”

The press statement highlighted that the Performance Management Hub would be implemented in stages beginning next year and would be expected to be fully functional by 2012.