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Preserving Our Rivers |
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Have you ever imagined what would happen if the oxygen in the air suddenly
disappeared? We wouldn’t survive, as oxygen is essential for life. Similarly,
the rivers flowing from the foothills of mountains are facing growing threats
from pollution caused by human activities driven by profit, without regard for
the consequences.
Rivers have long been the backbone of civilizations. Take ancient Egypt, for
example, where the Nile River was the heart of their economy, transportation,
and energy. It would be heartbreaking if, with today’s advanced technology and
human potential, we failed to preserve and wisely use these natural treasures
for the benefit of all.
This is why it is crucial to take proactive steps to maintain the cleanliness of
our rivers before it’s too late—just as the Malay proverb says, “Menyesal dahulu
pendapatan, menyesal kemudian tiada guna” (Regret first profit, regret later
useless).
The key to protecting our rivers lies in raising public awareness about their
importance. Opening people’s eyes to the value of clean rivers begins with
ourselves. Whenever we engage in activities near rivers—be it fishing or simply
passing by—we must ensure that no litter is left behind and that any waste is
disposed of properly. If there are no waste disposal facilities nearby, we must
take full responsibility for taking our trash to appropriate places.
Unfortunately, many rivers in our country still carry floating waste, forcing
authorities to spend large sums on waste treatment centers for heavily polluted
rivers. Imagine if every individual took responsibility for keeping rivers and
their surroundings clean—pollution would decrease, and our rivers could one day
be as pristine as those in Japan or South Korea.
At the same time, enforcement by government authorities must be strengthened.
Regular monitoring of river water quality, using stricter cleanliness standards,
is essential. The Malay proverb “Senduk kuah sampai siku” (scoop the sauce all
the way to the elbow) reminds us that thoroughness is necessary—only by setting
the highest standards can we avoid pollution and restore natural ecosystems.
A clean river is more than just a natural asset; it supports economic activities
such as fish farming, recreational sports, and tourism—all without the threat of
contamination. Hence, swift and decisive action must be taken against those who
pollute rivers, whether individuals or groups.
In conclusion, preserving our rivers is a shared responsibility that demands
awareness, discipline, enforcement, and care. Only through collective effort can
we ensure that these vital waterways continue to sustain life and prosperity for
generations to come. |
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