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KUCHING, July 15: The Sarawak government has approved RM500,000 to clear the water hyacinths along the Oya River.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the allocation also covers the proper disposal of the invasive plant, which is also locally known as ‘teparok’ or ‘gondok air’.
“This will involve four zones along 16.63km of the river,” he said in a statement after inspecting the overgrown water plants along the Oya River in Dalat yesterday (July 14).
Lee also shared that an overall study will be carried out on all rivers in Sarawak that face the same problem to find a long-term solution for this invasive plant.
“I understand Petroleum Nasional Berhad (Petronas) will carry out a corporate social responsibility (CSR) pilot project to convert this plant into fertiliser this year.
“We hope this pilot project could solve our rivers that are affected by this plant,” he said.
He explained that the plant had been a problem for the riverine folk of Oya River.
“The invasive plant could easily grow to cover the river’s surface. It could be the habitat of dangerous reptiles and indirectly a threat to riverine folks. It is also eye sore to the river’s aesthetic,” he said.
Lee said the issue had caught the attention of the Dalat assemblywoman and Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
“In 2020, the government spent RM96,000 for three months to clear the plants along 3.45km of the river and dumped the plant debris at an approved dumping site.
“In 2021, the project cost RM249,450 for three months, involving three zones along 15.45km of the river which saw 3,854 tons of plant debris.
“In 2022, the project cost RM492,020 for three zones along 23.5km of the river for three months to rid 7,050 tons of plant debris,” he said.
Lee said that the government needs to find an effective solution for other rivers in Sarawak facing the same problem and will conduct a study.
“We will clear the plants along Oya River and Kut before year-end,” he said. — DayakDaily
