Implement environmentally sustainable initiatives for Klang city, says former MP
SHAH ALAM - Klang’s upgrade from town to city status should be signal to implement environmentally sustainable initiatives, says former Klang MP Charles Santiago.
He said the 133-year old town with a population of more than 500,000 people must focus on long-term plans for sustainable and green future.
He said the way forward was to learn and emulate from other countries such as Australia, which has a new system for flood mitigation ponds.
The new system, he said would channel the flood water from the neighbourhoods straight into the ponds.
“This has been an implemented in two places but this needs to be taken forward, which requires political will as well allocation from the federal government and commitment from them.
“We need to look at scenarios that at some point in the future, it could be next year or the following year where it might not rain for five to six months and would be very hot.
“This is already happening now and it would be a matter of time that it becomes more frequent in the coming years,” he said during Sinar Daily’s Top News Podcast session.
Santiago, who is the National Water Services Commission chairman, said Europe and the United States of America were already facing one of the hottest heat waves causing massive wildfires.
He said this should be a reminder for all that we need to plan ahead to protect the environment and this would protect the lives of the people as well.
He said it was vital the authorities and people alike learn from the unprecedented Selangor floods that took place in December 2021 as many flood victims were still recovering from the disaster.
Santiago also highlighted the issue of rubbish in Klang, stating that it was a common responsibility for everyone to play their roles in keeping the soon-to-be city clean.
“This is a premium problem not only in Klang but also everywhere else. Of course, this is something that we have to take seriously and the government, especially local councils, really have to deal with it,” he said.
However, he said things have much improved for the past few years especially with the establishment of KDEB Waste Management. He also touched on the factories’ waste disposal in which the local council must be decisive and enforce the law at all times.
Another major challenge for the council, he said, was to educate people on recycling and use reusable products as as such water bottles.
“We have to push very hard on this and educate people and with TikTok, with all kinds of events.
“The challenges Klang face in moving forward will be floods, rise of sea level, public transportation and practicing recycling. Becoming a city means you will be more at risk of these natural disasters thus you need ensure everyone plays their role in keeping it on track and achieve sustainable living goals,” he said.
