KEPALA BATAS, Sept 2 (Bernama) — The Environment and Water Ministry (KASA) is targetting to build river trails spanning some 10,000 kilometers (km) along rivers, ponds or bodies of water throughout the country by 2030 in an effort to address socio-environmental challenges.
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Mansor Othman said a total of 295 trails covering 671.1 kilometres have been registered under National River Trail (DSK) project involving RM10 million since the programme was started in 2020.
“The DSK program is a strategic approach that has been implemented by KASA to address socio-environmental challenges through the management and sustainable use of nature using a nature-based solution approach.
“KASA is targetting to build 10,000 km of trails along rivers, ponds or bodies of water throughout the country by 2030 and so far we have achieved more than 30 per cent of our target. I believe with the cooperation of all, we will achieve our target in our effort to preserve rivers as well as create recreational areas and public parks,” he told reporters here today.
He was met after officiating the Sungai Muda DSK at Kampung Permatang Bendahari Penaga here which was also attended by Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Deputy Director-General (Business Sector) Datuk Ir Sabri Abdul Mulok
Meanwhile, Mansor is also Nibong Tebal MP, said KASA has allocated RM900,000 through the Strategic Programme to Empower the People and the Economy (Pemerkasa) for the construction of five DSKs in Penang this year.
He said presently, Penang has recorded 37 river trails with a total length of 71.4 kilometres including the four-kilometre long Sungai Muda DSK for the first phase with several more phases planned.
“We hope that this Sungai Muda DSK will benefit local residents who can use them for leisure and for recreation. Having the trail next to the river will encourage other activities like jogging, fishing and cycling among the local community,” he said.
He said his ministry also hoped that all parties, especially the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the community would continue to work together and be involved directly in the conservation of rivers and implement various activities so that the concept of integrated river management could be realised.
“KASA and the DID welcome the commitment shown by the local community to work together in maintaining and ensuring the good management of DSK Sungai Muda. The Sungai Muda DSK is also expected to further strengthen the synergy between all parties as well as realising the integrated management of the country’s rivers,” he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency