Rivers and the surrounding land drained by them (catchments) support
very important wildlife habitats. The water itself provides the environment for
fish, plants and animals, while the banks and nearby land support creatures
such as otters, kingfishers and dragonflies, and a variety of water-loving plants.
Healthy populations of fish and mussels are widely recognized as a sign of a
healthy river. These animals, which spend their entire lives immersed in water,
cannot easily escape the pollution that enters their environment. Over the past
quarter-century, beginning with the landmark Environmental Act 1974, the
state government of Malaysia has made great strides in its efforts to reduce some
of the most damaging pollutants from waterways. Although much work remains
to be done, many rivers are now cleaner and healthier than they have been for
decades. Unfortunately, little progress had been made in addressing “the most
ubiquitous and serious threats to aquatic life”. This seemingly benign substance
essentially soil washed into streams is driving rare species to extinction,
destroying fish populations and degrading aquatic ecosystems throughout the
river.