Gov't To Consider Proposal To Build National River Trail Along Sungai Perak - Akmal Nasrullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The government will consider the proposal to upgrade the Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) bund along Sungai Perak to a National River Trail (DSK), said Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

He said the upgrade, which involves a three-kilometre stretch from Kampung Kepala Pulau to Kampung Geronggong within the Pasir Salak constituency, can only be implemented if there is suitable space available.

"The bund currently has a width of less than two metres, stretching over three kilometres. Most access points to the embankment involve privately owned land.

"Therefore, the upgrade of the flood embankment to DSK can be carried out if there are no objections from the landowners involved. Since this bund serves as a method of flood protection due to rising river levels, user safety must always be prioritised," he said during a special chambers session of the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a motion raised by Jamaludin Yahya (PN-Pasir Salak) regarding the upgrade of the flood mitigation bund to DSK along Sungai Perak.

Akmal Nasrullah noted that the Kampung Gajah Phase 1 RTB project, which was fully completed in 2019, has reduced the risk and incidence of flooding in the Kampung Gajah area, including Mukim Blanja, Layang-Layang, Bota, Lambor, Pulau Tiga, Pasir Salak, Pasir Panjang Ulu, Bandar, Jaya Baru, and Kota Setia, covering an area of approximately 57,000 hectares with a population of 37,000.

He said the implementation of the Kampung Gajah Phase 2 RTB is also in the early design phase and will consider the construction of trails at several suitable locations along the 31 km project stretch.

"The construction of trails can foster a sense of belonging, awareness and shared responsibility among the community to maintain the sustainability and beauty of the river, thereby reducing cases of river pollution.

"The implementation of the DSK is not solely dependent on government allocations; it can also proceed with the involvement of private entities, non-governmental organisations and local communities. The ministry strongly encourages the development of DSK through corporate social responsibility, and the participation of local residents and stakeholders is highly welcomed," he said.

-- BERNAMA