Government agencies must work with non-government organisations and the public to manage the increasingly polluted Sungai Perak.
The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, said the parties concerned must co-operate to enforce and improve the river’s water quality.
“Since the beginning of time, rivers have influenced the culture and character of a country.
“Man is to blame for Sungai Perak’s destruction.
“Its biodiversity, which was once in abundance, is now gone,” he said when launching the Sungai Perak Integrated Management Workshop held in Kuala Kangsar yesterday.
Raja Nazrin Shah said the 420km river might not be able to “talk” but the change of its character was a language by itself. Praising the workshop as timely, he said its participants must be brave enough to admit hard truths and accept reality.
“You should not be afraid to admit mistakes as by accepting them, you are taking the first step towards correction,” he added.