On the momentous date of August 13, 2024, Water Watch Penang successfully conducted the ‘River Ranger’ programme in partnership with the Intel Malaysia. This is the 3rd CSR programme after the end of covid in the year 2022 A total of 39 enthusiastic participants engaged in this enlightening programme.
The programme aimed to instil awareness regarding the river conservation and encourage the experience of river education amongst Penangites.The event commenced with a warm welcoming address by Mr. Md Hasri Md Harizan from Public Affairs at Intel Malaysia, followed by an inspiring opening speech from WWP president, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Chan Ngai Weng. Subsequently, the Executive Manager, Dr. Hong Chern Wern, delivered a brief educational session that introduced Water Watch Penang, explaining about Penang’s pressing water challenges, namely the new water tariff, and the current water scarcity in Penang. Dr. Hong has also thanked Intel Malaysia for its funding support in the Negalitres for Schools Programme that has involved 105 schools over three years from 2022 to 2024.
Next, participants were organized into four groups to assess the river water quality across physical, chemical, and biological aspects, under the expert guidance of trained facilitators and with the assistance of WWP staffs (Ms. Fatin Azahara and Ms. Nur Atiqah), trained facilitators (Mr. Yee Jean Chai and Mr. Aiman) interns (Ms. Nurul Fatin, Ms. Nurul Husna, and Ms. Khor Ci Shan) and volunteers from RASMA – Roots and Shoots Malaysia (Ms. Dahrya and Ms. Yao Jo Von).
In the physical assessment, participants measured key parameters such as river velocity, temperature, and turbidity. The chemical assessment involved testing critical indicators, including pH levels and organic compounds like Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Nitrate, Nitrite, Dissolved Oxygen, and Phosphate, to identify potential pollution sources.
| River Mapping | |
| Types of Landuse | Excellent |
| Presence of Pipes and Drains | Excellent |
| Vegetation | Excellent |
| Physical Conditions of The River | |
| Water Odour: Fresh | Colour and clarity of the water: Clear |
| Turbidity* (Jackson Turbidity Unit – JTU): 40 JTU | River Velocity Flow rate (m/s)*: 7.45 m/s |
| Temperature* (degree Celsius): 23C | |
| River Water Classes | ||||||
| Measured Value | I | II | III | IV | V | |
| pH | 6.6 | 6.5-8.5 | 6-9 | 5-9 | 5-9 | >5-9< |
| Dissolved Oxygen | 1.0 | >7 ppm | 5-7 ppm | 3-5 ppm | <3 ppm | <1 ppm |
| Ammonia | 0.5 | <0.3 ppm | 0.3-0.9 ppm | 0.9 ppm | 0.9-2.7 ppm | >2.7 ppm |
| Phosphate | 0 | Natural level or absent | 0.25-0.5 ppm | 0.5-0.99 ppm | >1 ppm | |
| Nitrate (NO2) | 0 | Natural level or absent | 0.4-0.99 ppm | >1 ppm | >5 ppm | |
| Nitrite (NO3) | 0 | Natural level or absent | 7 ppm | >10 ppm | ||
Finally, the biological assessments were conducted whereby the participants captured and identified macroinvertebrates, which serve as vital indicators of the river’s ecological health.
| Bio-indicator (Based on the chart provided) | |||||||
| Name | Dragonfly nymph | Pagoda snail | Shrimps | River prawn | Stonefly nymph | Leech | Worm |
| Score | 6 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| Total score / Total species of Bio-invertebrate = 5.4 | |||||||
| Score 7.6-10 B. Score 5.1-7.5 C. Score 2.6-5.0 D. Score 1.0-2.5 E. Score 0-0.9 | |||||||
Water Watch Penang extends its heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing partnership with Intel Malaysia, recognizing the collaborative efforts in promoting environmental stewardship and water conservation. For more information, please contact Dr. Hong Chern Wern at hong.wwp@gmail.com