What has caused the significant drop in garbage waste in Melaka River?

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The Melaka River has experienced a significant reduction in garbage waste primarily due to the movement control order (MCO), which curtailed human activities.

The implementation of the MCO has led to a noticeable decrease in the amount of garbage waste found in the Melaka River. This reduction is largely a consequence of the diminished human presence and associated activities in urban centres. Any waste observed in the river is now predominantly believed to originate from drainage systems within residential areas or residual materials still present in these channels.
Reduced Human Activity During MCO

The period of the MCO saw a substantial decline in the number of people in the city centre, a key factor contributing to the lesser amount of garbage entering the river. According to Khairi Selamat, the river basin director for the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the absence of public activity directly correlated with a reduction in waste removal from the river. This observation suggests a strong link between population density and the volume of refuse found in the waterway.
Origin of Remaining Waste

While the overall quantity of garbage has dropped significantly, Khairi Selamat indicated that any waste still present likely stems from other sources. These are primarily identified as drainage systems connected to housing areas or residual debris that remains within the drainage infrastructure. This implies that while direct disposal into the river may have decreased, indirect routes of pollution persist.
Ongoing Rehabilitation Efforts

The improvement in the Melaka River's condition is also supported by pre-existing rehabilitation works and ongoing clean-up operations. Parcel two of these efforts, spanning from the Hang Jebat bridge to the Tidal Control Gate at Batu Hampar over 5.2 kilometres, includes components such as a water treatment plant, Gross Pollutant Traps, and rubbish traps. These measures, alongside the construction of bridges and tidal gates, were already in progress before the MCO and continue to contribute to the river's rejuvenation.

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What has caused the significant drop in garbage waste in Melaka River?

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