Take Care of the Rivers

sourced from NST online

Sungai Kahang in Kluang

by Chuah Bee Kim

JOHOR BARU: MALAYSIA Nature Society (MNS) Johor recently called on the relevant authorities to check on the water catchment areas in Johor, namely, the Segamat and Endau-Rompin water catchment areas and drainage system.

Its chairman, Vincent Chow, cited the Sungai Kahang in Kluang as an example of a river that is now vulnerable.

Chow said that some 30 years ago, the river was deep, fast flowing and teeming with fish that could support the local community.

However, with the rapid development of oil palm plantation over the years, the river is drying up and has been reduced to a small stream when there is a dry spell.

He also cited the Sungai Sembrong in Kahang, Sungai Mengkibul in Kluang and Sungai Endau as examples of rivers that have seen a reduction in water flow over the years.

“Scientists have found that a matured oil palm tree can consume up to 40 litres of water per day. Imagine what a 10,000ha plantation can do to a water catchment area.

“With the clearing of forest trees for oil palm, the water catchment area cannot perform its natural function and is facing a nett loss of water during the dry season,” he said.

“If this is not looked into and allowed to continue, many rivers will dry up eventually and cause water shortage in Johor.

“MNS Johor would like the authorities to study the matter and encourage plantations to plant forest trees at these catchment areas whenever they re-plant after a 25-year cycle.”