A 2.5ha lake in Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya is covered with wild plants (below) and looks like a field from a distance. — Photos by SHEILA SRI PRIYA/The Star
Residents want two lakes in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, which are overgrown with aquatic plants, to be cleared to keep the fish there from dying.
StarMetro has found the entire surface of one of the lakes covered by these plants during a recent visit.
From a distance, the lake looks like a field and some residents fear those unfamiliar with the area could walk into the lake by mistake.
Long-time Kelana Jaya resident and ardent park-goer Azlina Azmar said residents wanted the authorities to act quickly before such an incident could happen.
“Based on our observation, it all started about six months ago.
“As someone who loves gardening, I can identify them as water cabbage and water hyacinth.
“We used to have water lilies in one of the lakes nearby,” she said, adding that the lake had a lot of fishes.
Azlina said it had once attracted various types of birds but since the aquatic plants had overrun the lake, few birds were spotted.
“This is a serious matter and residents even tried to clear the lake when there was not as much plant growth.
“It was an exhausting process because the plants grew rapidly.
“We gave up clearing it as it is also not safe for residents to do so.
“However, we are willing to lend a hand if the authorities want our help,” she said.
She added that the issue had been highlighted to Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the elected representatives but the matter remained unresolved.
“From our observation, there were just two cleaners taking care of the lake and now, we see more of them but the issue of overgrowth is far from resolved,” said Azlina.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said the problem was the lack of proper monitoring.
“The appointed contractor has to be held accountable for this problem.
“The city council should monitor these contractors to ensure they are doing their job,” he said, adding that children could accidentally run into the lake.
An MBPJ spokesperson said the problem could have started when residents released their fishes and aquatic plants into the lake.
He said the scientific name for the plant is Pistia stratiotes Linn, better known as kiambang in Malay.
The 2.5ha lake in Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya is covered with wild plants that are found in lakes, former mines, padi fields and even drains.
“This type of plant floats on the surface and each plant can grow up to 50cm in diameter.
“A problem arises when the lake is overshadowed by this plant and sunshine does not penetrate into the lake.
“This stops the photosynthesis process and results in a lack of oxygen which eventually affects aquatic life such as the fishes.”
The spokesperson said this plant grew at a tremendous rate and the council was clearing it.
“Nets are placed to ensure it does not spread to other lakes.
“MBPJ has sealed off the area with tape to keep people away.
“We are working on clearing the lake as soon as possible,” he added.
