MIRI: Numbers of rivers in Sarawak are facing dense infestations of water hyacinths.
“Thus have been a major concern and we need to think of the best strategies and engage expertise to control its growth,” said Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin on Saturday (Dec 12).
He added, the plan to carry out study and engaged expertise for the purpose are crucial to help solve the problem for a long term solution.
“For Miri, efforts to control the growth of the aquatic plant is underway, we have today launched one of water hyacinth clearing exercise carried out from Kuala Miri until Pujut by-pass area spanning at about 15km,” he said.
He observed that they need a proper measures and biological control for a long term solution to control the growth of water hyacinths.
Lee disclosed, that he was told by Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing , Women, Family and Childhood Development who is also facing similar problem in Sungai Batang Oya, Sibu, whereby the dense infestation of the plant have obstruct boat navigation.
“That is why, we need to conduct a comprehensive study on how to control this water hyacinths problem as it affecting not only rivers in Miri but nunbers of other rivers in Sarawak,” Lee pointed out.
Meanwhile, on another notes, a total 4,170kg of rubbish were successfully trapped by two boom traps installed underneath Piasau Bridge and Kampung Wireless here since its instaation on February this year until today.
“The booms were installed on the second week of February this year and today we have succeesfully harvested 4.17 tonnes or 4,170kg,” said Lee.
Earlier , he was visiting the two locations where the booms were installed.
Lee was accompanied by Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) chairman Dr Murni Suhaili, SRB assistant controller Region III Leonard Luhat Laing, Miri district officer Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf.
