By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 29: If one were to trace the rivers across Sarawak on a map, the State would appear criss-crossed with countless blue lines flowing from the interior highlands to the coast. These rivers are far more than geographical features — they are lifelines that sustain communities, ecosystems and economic activities throughout the State.
For generations, rivers have shaped life in Sarawak. From fishermen casting their nets at dawn to rural communities relying on rivers for transportation and daily needs, these waterways remain deeply connected to the identity and livelihood of many Sarawakians.
Balancing development and environmental protection
As Sarawak continues to progress economically, the need to safeguard these waterways has become increasingly important. Rapid development, if not properly managed, can place pressure on river systems through pollution, sediment runoff, improper waste disposal and untreated discharges. Balancing development with environmental protection therefore requires strong governance and effective regulation.
In Sarawak, environmental protection is guided by the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance, 1993 (NREO), which empowers the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak to regulate activities that may impact the State’s natural resources.
Through this legal framework, NREB plays an important role in ensuring that development projects are implemented responsibly to minimise environmental harm.
“One of the key measures used to safeguard rivers is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Before certain development projects can proceed, they are required to undergo an EIA to assess potential environmental impacts and identify appropriate mitigation measure.
“This process helps ensure that environmental considerations are incorporated early in project planning particularly in relation to river protection, erosion and sediment control as well as wastewater management.
“By integrating environmental considerations into development planning, projects can be implemented in a more sustainable and responsible manner,” NREB said in a media release today.
Continuous river monitoring efforts
Apart from regulating development activities, river water quality monitoring also remains an important aspect of environmental protection efforts. Water quality is assessed through various environmental parameters that help determine the overall health of the rivers and identify possible sources of pollution.
NREB continue to monitor 66 main rivers and tributaries throughout Sarawak under its River Water Quality Monitoring Programme.
“Continuous monitoring provides important information that support environmental management, while the findings are also published in NREB’s Annual Environmental Quality Report to provide updates to the public and stakeholders on the status of river water quality in Sarawak,” the Board added.
Strengthening river monitoring through technology
As environmental challenges become increasingly complex, NREB noted that technology is also playing a bigger role in river protection efforts. In line with efforts to further strengthen river monitoring and environmental management, NREB has installed one Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Station (CWQMS) at Sungai Sarawak to enable real time river water quality monitoring.
“Deploying additional CWQMS serves as the foundation for a broader monitoring network in Sarawak. Over the next decade, the long-term goal is to equip more main rivers across Sarawak with real time river water quality monitoring.
“The expansion of real-time monitoring stations would strengthen early warning capabilities, improve environmental data collection and support more effective river management for the future,” the Board highlighted.
This initiative, NREB said, reflects Sarawak’s commitment towards strengthening environmental sustainability and adopting more proactive approaches in protecting the state’s waterways.
Rivers and sustainable development
As Sarawak moves towards the goals outlined under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, environmental sustainability must remain a key priority.
NREB empahsised that clean rivers are essential not only for water resources and biodiversity, but also for fisheries, local livelihoods and the wellbeing of communities across the state.
“Healthy rivers also contribute towards long-term environmental resilience and support sustainable economic growth. Protecting river systems today is therefore an investment in the future wellbeing of both present and future generations,” it added.
A shared responsibility
Protecting Sarawak’s rivers is therefore a shared responsibility. While agencies such as NREB continue to regulate development activities and enforce environmental standards, industries, developers and communities also play an equally important role in safeguarding these waterways.
NREB pointed out that simple actions such as proper waste disposal, compliance with environmental requirements and greater environmental awareness can collectively make a significant difference in preserving river health.
“Protecting Sarawak’s rivers is ultimately about safeguarding the future of the State itself. With strong governance and responsible stewardship, these waterways can continue to sustain the Sarawak’s people, environment and economy for generations to come.” — DayakDaily
