Activities Implemented
1.1 STRENGTHENED COORDINATION & GOVERNANCE
1.1.1 PROJECT STATUS MEETING WITH CURRENT DIRECTOR OF THE PERAK DEPARTMENT OF IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE (JPS PERAK)
The 1st Consultation Meeting was held on 7 April 2026 at the JPS Perak Meeting room. This new project introductory meeting between DID Perak and GEC was chaired by YBrs. Ir. Dr. Asnor Muizan bin Dato’ Haji Ishak, Director of the JPS Perak, and was attended by the DID Perak district officer and Global Environment Centre (GEC) team lead by Dr Kalithasan Kailasam.
The meeting discussed the status of ongoing and completed projects in Perak state, the refine role of the Project Working Group (PWG) in supporting implementation, and the need for continuous collaboration among agencies. It also covered the standardization and promotion of the River Health Index (RHI), appointment of project liaison officers, and strengthening technical support, coordination, and information sharing among stakeholders.
1.1.2 RIVER HEALTH INDEX MEETING WITH HUMID TROPICS CENTRE KUALA LUMPUR (HTC KL)
The 2nd Consultation Meeting was held hybrid on 29 April 2026: at the Humid Tropics Centre Kuala Lumpur (HTC KL) Meeting Room as well online. The meeting was chaired by YBhg. Dato’ Ir. Ratna Rajah Sivapiragasam, Director of HTC KL, and was attended by his team as well the GEC Team.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the enhancement and standardization of the developed River Health Index (RHI) to ensure alignment with the requirements of DID Malaysia. The discussions covered the development of RHI as a comprehensive tool for assessing river health, the need for standardization between the approaches by GEC and HTC KL, and the integration of RHI into a single reference framework for nation.
The meeting also discussed the implementation of the enhanced RHI in the Kinta River catchment, including stakeholder involvement, monitoring approaches, and the use of citizen science. In addition, plans for promoting RHI through trainings, workshops, and awareness programs were highlighted to support wider adoption at both state and national levels.
1.1.3 PROJECT WORKING GROUP (PWG) MEETING NO. 1/2026
The Project Working Group (PWG) Meeting was held on 12 May 2026 at the JPS Perak Meeting Room. The meeting was chaired by YB Dato’ Seri Ir Mohammad Nizar bin Jamaluddin, Perak State Committee Chairman for Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transportation, and was attended by 28 representatives from 16 agencies of PWG Committee members.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the implementation and progress of projects under the Sungai Kinta catchment, including the River Health Index (RHI) and Community-based IRBM initiatives, as well as to strengthen coordination, smart partnership and support among the agencies.
The meeting also discussed the standardization and implementation of the RHI, ongoing and planned project activities, and the need for continuous collaboration among agencies. Key matters included the appointment of project liaison officers, coordination of current and upcoming planned activities among agencies, approval for the use of agency logos in project materials and programme, and encouraging agencies to support and promote the developed eco-tourism initiatives of the project.
2. ENHANCED RIVER HEALTH INDEX (RHI)
3. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT & NbS IMPLEMENTATION
3.1.1 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP ON COMMUNITY-BASED INTEGRATED RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT (Cb-IRBM) FOR THE KINTA RIVER CATCHMENT AREA SERIES 1/2026
The Community Empowerment Workshop on Community-Based Integrated River Basin Management (Cb-IRBM) for the Kinta River Catchment Area Series 1/2026 was successfully conducted over two days and one night at MH Hotel Ipoh, involving 12 newly engaged communities within the Kinta River catchment area.
This workshop aimed to empower new communities to implement green living practices within their respective areas in order to improve river health and strengthen community participation in Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM).
On the first day, participants were exposed to various topics related to sustainable river management and environmental stewardship. Sessions included sustainable river management by Department of Irrigation and Drainage Perak, solid waste and plastic management at source by Ipoh City Council, river management through Green Living Initiatives, Community-Based Kinta River Basin IRBM, as well as experience-sharing sessions by established community partners.
On the second day, participants were taken on a site visit to KRT Sungai Terap and KRT Taman Chemor Idaman to observe various green lifestyle practices and community-led environmental initiatives. These included river monitoring activities, community gardens, and other sustainable practices aimed at providing exposure and inspiration to newly participating communities interested in implementing similar initiatives within their respective areas.
3.1.2 KINTA RIVER CATCHMENT COMMUNITY GUIDED VISIT TO A WATER TREATMENT PLANT
A total of 43 participants from 15 communities within the Kinta River Catchment joined a guided visit to the Sultan Azlan Shah Dam, Sungai Kinta Water Treatment Plant, and Papan 2 Regional Sewage Treatment Plant. The visit aimed to help participants better understand how water is collected, treated, and supplied for daily use, as well as the environmental challenges that can affect water resources.
During the visit, participants learned about the water cycle and the important role of rivers in providing raw water for treatment. They also learned how water treatment plants process river water to make it safe for public use. At the sewage treatment plant, participants gained a better understanding of how wastewater from homes and businesses is treated before being released back into the environment. The programme also increased awareness of how pollution and human activities can affect river water quality.
The visit highlighted the importance of protecting the Kinta River as a shared responsibility. Clean rivers are essential for a safe water supply, effective water and wastewater treatment, and a healthy environment. Participants also learned about the importance of paying water and sewerage bills, as these support the operation and maintenance of essential services. The programme encouraged communities to play an active role in preventing pollution and protecting water resources for long-term water security.
River Health Index and Community-based IRBM for River Health Care
