JOHOR BARU: Johor will continue its river clean-up efforts with an RM9mil allocation for this year, said Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar said the state reduced the number of polluted rivers from 14 to nine last year through joint efforts by the state government and local communities.
"This is a positive trend, and we will continue efforts to further reduce the number of polluted rivers in the state.
"Our aim is to have zero polluted rivers in Johor," he said after launching the Southern Volunteers Go Green @ Johor Bersih programme at Sungai Tebrau near Kampung Bakar Batu on Sunday (Feb 23).
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (in jacket) planting a tree during the event.
He said RM7mil has been allocated this year to clean up Sungai Skudai, Sungai Tebrau, and Sungai Kim Kim through law enforcement, technology use, and ecosystem rehabilitation programmes.
Another RM2mil has been set aside to improve water quality at Sungai Buluh and Sungai Tukang Batu in Pasir Gudang.
Onn Hafiz added that much of the rubbish in the rivers comes from housing and squatter areas.
"I have discussed this matter with the state secretary, and we will get local councils to work with the grassroots to involve communities so that they feel responsible for the environment," he said.
