Malaysia launches River Award for local champions

Cash prizes totalling RM16, 000, trophies and certificates for three target groups (local community, educational institution and media) are waiting for winners.

Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia and Global Environment Centre (GEC) on Thursday announced to launch the 'River of Life Public Outreach Programme Phase 5 Award (ROLPOP5 Award)' to reward and recognise different target groups within Phase 5 that are dedicated to enhancing, protecting and contributing positive impact towards 'River of Life' initiative.

According to the GEC, the award will be able to raise awareness among the public and encourage the target groups to concern and take care of the river. The announcement was made in conjunction with the 2019 World Environment Day celebration. The ROLPOP5 Award with the tagline 'Celebrating Local Champions of Klang River' aims to showcase the diversity of ways that people are preserving/ conserving/ monitoring/promoting our rivers and to raise awareness and encourage people's responsibility towards the river.

A special category for the mass media and social influencer is also launched honours journalists and influencer for their reporting on the River of Life initiative that covers issues and positive impacts.

Tuan Haji Mohd Khairi Selamat, Director of River Basin Management Division, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia, said "Although RM3billion has been allocated under the River of Life project to clean up the Klang River and its eight river tributaries, the success of the project depends greatly on the mentality of our community. Hence, the Public Outreach Programme is one of the key initiatives of River of Life to transform the mindset of Malaysians that rivers are not dumping area but an asset to us."

Tuan Haji Mohd Khairi Selamat hoped that this award will motivate more people and key stakeholders such as community groups, corporate, industry, and restaurants located in Klang Valley to become local leaders championing in conserving the Klang River.

The award is open to five target groups of the POP within the ROLPOP5 area which is - local community, educational institutions, industries, corporate and developers, food establishments, wet markers and automobile workshops, and the general public. For media award, any articles or writings on River of Life or River of Life Public Outreach Programme that has been published in 2017 onwards are welcomed for submission. Submissions can cover any aspect of the river-related subject which has general significance to the local community, scientific research, conservation, and biodiversity.

Cash prizes totalling RM16, 000, trophies and certificates for three target groups (local community, educational institution and media) are waiting for winners. Winners for industries, corporate and developers; and food establishments, wet markers and automobile workshops category will be receiving trophies and certificates.

Deadline submission is August 15, 2019 and the award ceremony will be held in September 2019 in conjunction with World Rivers Day celebration.