AS Sarawak champions forest conservation, the urgent need to rehabilitate ‘sick’ rivers remains overlooked, prompting calls for targeted funding and action to restore these vital lifelines of the ecosystem.
Baru Bian (GPS-Ba’kelalan) said the efforts to protect the environment must include protecting and rehabilitating Sarawak’s rivers.
“Rivers are the lifeline of our planet, providing precious water and food for humans, animals, plants and trees.
“Sadly, our rivers have suffered over the years from pollution, siltation and erosion caused by human activities, and some rivers are so severely affected they can be classified as sick or even dead.
“There is an urgent need for us to rescue our rivers that need help,” he said during his debate in support of the Supply Bill 2025.
Hence, he urged the government to allocate specific funds for river rehabilitation.
“The budget of RM137 million for the environment includes urban drainage and flood mitigation, river and coastal engineering, forestry research and development, forestry management, and environmental sustainability, but river rescue was not given any focus.
“Most of our rivers need rehabilitation, and we need a budget for this, but there has not been any particular attention to our rivers,” he observed.
However, Baru said that passing the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 is crucial and timely.
“Our rivers are an integral and essential part of our natural resources and environment and deserve protection and restoration.
“In addition, educational programmes are vital so that all Sarawakians know the importance of keeping our rivers clean and healthy,” he said.
