1. Save our Rivers National Conference
Study on Pinang River, Jelutong, Penang By
Environmentalists
Mohd NohAbd Rahim
G.Bovaneswari
Lee Yee Suen
©2006 Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran

2. Introduction
In Malaysia, water has been the subject of concern nationally for some time now
Of all natural resources, water is the most severely threatened by pollution
A developing country like Malaysia, having sufficient water is pivotal to its overall economic growth

3. Introduction
A tropical country like Malaysia will face clean water shortage, something which can become a reality at the rate the rivers are being polluted these days.*
* River Pollution Prevention and Water Quality Improvement
in Malaysia, a research paper by Dr Zulkifli Abdul Rahman ,
DOE’s assistant director (river section)

4. Rationale
On a daily basis, human activities – industrial, agricultural and residential – cause vast quantities of natural and synthetic chemicals to be emitted into the atmosphere.
The resulting harm is difficult to evaluate, since it occurs over varying time frames and over vast areas having differing degrees of sensitivity.
The present study is an attempt to gauge the impact of human intervention on water resources in Malaysia

5. Objectives
To evaluate the physical, chemical and biological status of the water
To perform several tests on water samples
To collect information about the stage of water pollution
To identify whether the river is polluted

6. Objectives To acquire knowledge of the agents of pollution
To analyse the causes and effect of water pollution
To evaluate the extent of water pollution in the surroundings
To suggest pollution preventive measures to the administration and the community
To create general awareness regarding water pollution issue in the community

7. Review of Related Literature
According to a study done by the Department of Environment (DOE) on 116 rivers nationwide, some 10 percent of these rivers are heavily polluted or dead, 63 percent are polluted and only 27 percent are healthy.*
Kuala Kedah, a rice farming district, was severely stricken with air and water poisoning from a pesticide factory. The ‘padi’ became diseased, together with coconuts and bananas. Poultry died. Villagers had sores on their bodies after using the nearby stream for washing.** *
** Article on ENVIRONMENT- Industrial pollution in Malaysia by Kor Kok Wah, a Singaporean journalist with a keen interest in environmental issues

8. Shocking Fact
More than 2 million children under the age of five in the Third World die every year from drinking polluted water
Source: Water-Asia’s Environmental Imperative, Singapore: AMIC, 1997

9. Research Questions How can we preserve our freshwater habitats?
What is our role in preventing water pollution in our community?

10. Research Methodology Select river Field visit to the river
Observe on the basis of decided criteria
Collect water sample
Experiment on water sample
Analyse the results
Draw inferences
Suggest recommendations to overcome water pollution

11. Our Research
Study on Pinang River, Jelutong, Penang

12. Field trip details Venue: Pinang River, Jelutong, Penang
Date: July 3rd , 4th & 5th, 2006
Time: 8 am – 9.00 am every day
©2006 Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran

13. Basis of observation Smell Flow Appearance
Turbidity (or lack of water clarity)
Water Properties

14. Field trip Observations
The colour of the river water has changed into brown.
Stink and pungent around the river
Dumped with debris & Plastic
Slums along the bank
Teeming with mosquitoes
Used as a toilet by slum dwellers and passers –by
No sign of fish
The debris and waste has made it almost stagnant.
A section of Pinang river in Penang littered with plastic waste and rubbish. This shot was taken from Sungai Pinang Road leading to Jelutong Road

15. Experiment
Dissolved oxygen,
Bacterial content,
pH, and
Temperature

16. Results CRITERIA OBSERVATIONS REMARKS Pharamet 7.8
Conductive to aquatic
Lives
Temperature
nil
Dissolved
oxygen
Absence of
aquatic fish
Bacterial content
E.Coli & all
pathogens
Health
hazards

17. Analysis - Cause of pollution
Low Oxygen level - oxygen levels have dropped dramatically because of sudden algae population explosions
Inadequate sewerage and drainage systems
Forest harvesting and agricultural and urban development have resulted in the pollution of most river systems, affected ecological dynamics and disrupted natural food chains

18. Analysis - Effects of pollution
Turbidity - Low water clarity decreases the amount of sunlight available for photosynthesis. Suspended particles interferes with filter feeding and respiration through gills.
Concentrated industrial wastewater and agricultural run-off of fertilizer and chemicals into surface water affect levels of dissolved oxygen in water
Treatment of raw water from surface water sources for human consumption and for industrial use has become more complex and becomes costlier because of water pollution.

19. What are ways to overcome water pollution?
To effectively carry out its “One State, One River” programme to rehabilitate one river in each state as per the Ninth Malaysia Plan planned by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Malaysia
Adequate Sewage and Drainage systems
Formulate stringent pollution control regulations
Educate the people of this city to develop an ecological conscience
Sensitize people about the need of hour – to curb water pollution

20. What is our role in preventing water pollution?
Become informed - An informed and committed public can become a catalyst for environmental issues. You can make a difference!
Trust - Trust in the ability of the individual to take action on environmental issues, and work together with other individuals
Be open - Be willing to change your attitudes, behaviours, and expectations.
Act - Join and support local and national groups that work to solve environmental problems on institutional, national, and international levels.

21. What is our role in preventing water pollution?
Support - Urge and support federal, provincial, and municipal action on environmental issues.
Self Check - Do not use products that are harmful to the environment. Urge stores to abandon wasteful packaging and to use biodegradable materials.
Exercise your rights as a citizen: Request information, participate in public hearings, serve on advisory committees, and address review boards.

22. Let’s make this World a Better Place by doing our Best to Prevent and Control Water Pollution!

23. References