KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to stem the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country since March 18 turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the environment.
The MCO, which currently in its fourth phase, has resulted in cleaner rivers in certain parts of the country.
Global Environment Centre (GEC) River Care Programme manager Dr Kalithasan Kailasam said with the drop of human and industrial activities during the MCO, many rivers were reportedly much cleaner and clearer than before.
He said based on monitoring by GEC's river care communities, certain stretches were reported to be cleaner and clearer during the MCO period.
"Based on the current scenario, we can conclude that some rivers are getting cleaner during the MCO due to less anthropogenic (human) activities.
"It also reflects that mother nature, including rivers as a living entity, can look after herself," he said, adding that the sighting of birds and aquatic life such as fish and otters were also observed in higher numbers, compared to normal.
Recently, it was reported that clearer and cleaner water could be seen along Sungai Gombak, Sungai Way and Sungai Kemunsing in the Klang Valley, as well as Sungai Melaka in Melaka.
Kalithasan said while the MCO period has proven beneficial for the environment, it will be a big challenge to maintain the situation after the MCO is lifted.
"For the public, they need to change their behaviour by minimising and managing waste more sustainably. If they continue to dump irresponsibly, it will be back to square one.
"As for the industries, intensified production to cover the period when they were not allowed to operate will generate more loads than before.
"Hence, there is a high possibility for rivers to get dirtier if proper waste and wastewater containment is not carried out."
He said GEC was hoping stakeholders, namely politicians, business sectors as well as the public, who had seen the worst scenario of the rivers before MCO, understand that life will never be normal again, including how they see the environment
"It is no more on business and money but health, social and wellbeing."
A similar view was echoed by water quality expert Dr Zaki Zainudin, who voiced his concerns on what will happen post-MCO.
"When certain activities that generated pollution were halted during this period, undoubtedly there was improvement in water quality.
"(But) the question is, will the cleaner rivers be sustained, or will it get worse after the MCO is lifted," he said.
Zaki said there is a possibility that some industries that were not allowed to operate during MCO go full blast in terms of their operation.
"This is because they have to compensate for losses they incurred during the MCO and it will cause higher pollution than before.
"(And) this phenomenon of compensation for losses during the MCO will not only cause pollution to water but also to the air," he said, adding that the pollution could be worse than before the MCO.
Zaki said it is critical to pre-empt the situation from happening.
"The authorities should anticipate the potential occurrence (of pollution) post MCO, hence they need to be vigilant in their monitoring and enforcement after the MCO is lifted."
Zaki opined that the government should implement gradual opening post-MCO.
"Maybe by sectors or areas to prevent more waste being generated into our rivers," he said, adding that the MCO has given a glimpse into what could be in terms of potential improvement if the country could better manage its pollution at sources.