24/08/2025

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday AUG 24, 2025

Nationwide efforts needed to end river pollution

RM470,000 fines for smoking offences in Perak The Perak Health Department issued 7,968 notices under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), collecting RM479,900 in fines, from Oct 1 last year to Aug 21. State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said 1,445 enforcement operations were carried out during that period, involving inspections on 21,556 premises statewide. “Of the total, three cases have been (brought to) court, with a total fine of RM27,000, in addition to 31,087 advice and advocacy sessions held regarding Act 852. “Hopefully, this can lead to stricter control on the sale of cigarettes and vapes, including advertising or promotional activities, besides raising awareness about the offence of smoking or vaping in prohibited areas.” He said this after officiating at the launch of the state level Operation Selamat Paru-Paru at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan on Friday. – Bernama Conference on rabies to be held in Kuching KUCHING: The fourth edition of the Rabies in Borneo (RIB) conference will be held from Sept 30 to Oct 1 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. It will gather 21 speakers from 12 countries to discuss advances in the disease research, control and eradication efforts. In a statement, event organiser Place Borneo and the Veterinary Services Department said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg is scheduled to officiate at the conference, themed “Rabies Free Borneo: Uniting People, Animals and Communities”. “The conference will feature plenary and panel sessions that highlight not only the ongoing fight against rabies in Sarawak, but also the importance of regional collaboration and the latest innovations in rabies prevention and control.” RIB 2025 would enable stakeholders from across the globe to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and strengthen efforts towards saving lives and improving human and animal health. The conference not only reinforces Sarawak’s leadership in disease control, but also underscores the importance of regional cooperation in combating rabies. – Bernama IPOH:

Waterways still being used as dumping grounds for waste, says expert

He said limited manpower and technology, such as the lack of drones and CCTV for monitoring, also make enforcement difficult, although these solutions would require significant investment from local authorities. “On enforcement, existing penalties under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 are too weak to deter polluters, particularly large companies,” he said, adding that the overlapping jurisdictions between federal and state authorities, as well as multiple agencies, often slow enforcement. He added that communities depending on rivers face growing health threats, as polluted waterways expose them to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A. “Industries are also suffering, with toxins wiping out fish populations and threatening food security and fishermen’s livelihoods. “Water treatment plants face higher costs as more chemicals and energy are needed to clean raw water, expenses that eventually fall on consumers through higher water bills. In severe cases, plants are forced to shut down, disrupting supply.” Mohd Yusaimi highlighted a serious case, the Sungai Kim Kim incident in Johor, which

not just aspirational but necessary. “We do not have any other option than to go for zero river pollution. What we should do now is to adopt a whole-of nation approach to ensure that all stakeholders, especially major polluters, are involved in transforming the water sector into an economic resource as part of our natural capital.” Yusoff said the challenge lies in adapting those solutions into Malaysia’s socioeconomic and legislative context. “Malaysia currently (uses) the Water Quality Index, which uses selected parameters to classify rivers into categories based on usage and serves as an early indicator of pollution levels. “Yet public awareness remains a challenge, as it is difficult to say Malaysians are sufficiently conscious about reducing household pollution, with rivers still being used as dumping grounds for various types of waste.” He added that household waste is not the only contributor, pointing to industrial and land-based pollution as significant sources. Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar Sejahtera Malaysia president Mohd Yusaimi Md Yusof said managing river pollution often happens only after problems occur, instead of addressing the root causes early.

between government agencies, GLCs and the public reflected the broader Malaysia Madani vision for development rooted in social well-being and justice. “National Day is not just a date on a calendar, but a call to revive the spirit of struggle, unity and determination to build our beloved nation.” Prasarana, as one of the main transport providers for the celebrations, will operate 24-hour services on Aug 30 and 31 across its rail networks, BRT Sunway Line, selected bus routes and Rapid On-Demand services. The initiative is aimed at easing movement for thousands expected to attend the celebrations. Ninety-six free shuttle buses will be provided from Putrajaya Sentral, PICC and Taman Botani to Dataran Putrajaya. More than 5,000 frontline staff will also be deployed for crowd control and operational support. On Aug 30, 235 buses covering 86 routes will be deployed, with numbers increasing to 308 buses across 100 routes on Aug 31 to meet expected demand. cost the government millions in clean-up efforts and left some victims with lifelong health complications. He also said current strategies still rely on traditional “engineering fixes” such as concrete embankments, which may not fully address the impacts of climate change. “Malaysia has introduced initiatives such as the Integrated River Basin Management and river rehabilitation programmes under the Natural Resources and Sustainability Ministry and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage. However, questions remain over whether these efforts are sufficiently climate-resilient. “Plans also tend to neglect disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, while implementation remains uneven across states, often depending on funding and political will.” He recommended ecosystem based solutions such as replanting riverbank trees, creating artificial wetlands and conserving rainforests to help strengthen flood and drought resilience. “There is also a need for real time monitoring, drone surveillance, improved weather forecasting, tougher penalties on polluters, industry contingency plans and closer federal-state cooperation for effective river management.”

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Gemilang as the nation steps up preparations for the 68th National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31. Speaking at the launch of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad’s Denyut Nadi Merdeka campaign in Bangsar yesterday, the communications minister said the national flag was a symbol of sovereignty and independence, and urged citizens to participate in the National Month spirit. “As of today, about 2,000 Jalur Gemilang have been distributed, and more will follow throughout the month. “Be proud to display our national flag. It symbolises our sovereignty and independence.” He added that Malaysians should embrace the Merdeka spirit by participating in programmes leading up to Malaysia Day on Sept 16. “Public transport is not just about logistics; it is a unifying space. On buses and trains, PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must adopt a whole-of-nation approach to achieve zero river pollution, as the country has no option but to safeguard its waterways from worsening contamination. Experts told theSun that rivers remain at risk without stronger protection. This follows Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s disclosure that 27 major rivers nationwide were found polluted in 2024, according to Environment Department monitoring data. Key pollutants include biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, total suspended solids and dissolved oxygen. Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Forestry and Environment senior lecturer Dr Mohd Yusoff Ishak said achieving zero river pollution is

M’sians urged to proudly display Jalur Gemilang KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called on Malaysians to proudly display the Jalur Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Fahmi waving the national flag with visitors at the launch event yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

He reminded residents that Putrajaya’s Core Island would be closed to vehicles from 6pm on Aug 29 until the parade concludes on Aug 31. “Pedestrian access will not be affected, but private vehicles will face restrictions. “Authorities are working to ensure the highest level of safety so that the parade runs smoothly.” Fahmi said the collaboration

people from all walks of life share the same journey. “This is the true essence of Merdeka, moving together towards a better future despite our different backgrounds.” He also said rehearsals for the National Day parade were progressing smoothly. A full rehearsal is scheduled for Aug 27, followed by additional sessions on Aug 28 and 29.