Reflections but not reflecting on the state of our rivers.

As a kayaker in Sarawak, Malaysia which was known in the past as a land of rivers but which sadly is forgotten, denied or ignored; it breaks my heart that our beautiful rivers are taken so much for granted, neglected and abused.

It is astounding that the only true world class attraction that Kuching can proudly boast; which are our rivers would be almost totally ignored in our tourism promotion. Tourists do not specifically come here for our shopping, food, architecture, culture etc which other cities elsewhere can offer so much more. But the unique natural beauty of our rainforests rivers is something which takes a foreign visitor’s breath away. Sometimes we do not see something when it’s right in front of our nose and instead foolishly waste our financial resources on egoistical schemes or projects which only make a mockery of us international by revealing our ignorance and greed.

Our rivers are treated as dumping grounds and even though there are so-called laws protecting our rivers – no one is monitoring nor enforcing any of them. Siltation of rivers from logging has turned our mighty rivers brown which I remembered from photographs as a child was once green and clear. The constructions of dams have exacerbated the situation and it would seem that no one really cares about our rivers in the name of development and progress. Rivers that once served rural communities are rendered useless as means of transportation to towns as the damming of them have negated the tides on which one depend on to catch the natural ride to and fro. So much for studies purporting the usage of our rivers as means of transportation - such is our hypocrisy.

"Tell me - where do the children play?"

For the situation to improve, public awareness on the plight of the rivers is preferable to having token annual ‘river safaris’ which does nothing but leave more biodegradable debris to clog the waterways in the aftermath of such events with other political agendas to fulfill. Our attitudes have to change and values be inculcated early and as such our educational system should instill this in the young; failing which clean and beautiful rivers will just exist only in our dreams in the land of rivers.

Labels: Blogging, Environment

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