SHAH ALAM, Mar 10 – The Klang River cleaning project  is capable of generating property development as well as reduce the problem of transport, said the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj.

Officiating the second term of the 12th State Legislative Assembly meeting this morning, the Sultan said the Klang River could be a major asset to this state if a positive attitude and strict adherence to legal provisions were adopted.

He said, even though the project would take 10 to 20 years, it was not impossible.

“It is time the state government thinks seriously about cleaning Klang River, which involves both Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

He added, besides helping to increase the tourism industry, a clean Klang River would also have a positive effect in increasing the quality of the river’s environment.

Meanwhile, Sultan Sharafuddin also touched on the importance of a complete reshuffling of the transportation system.

He said, a public transport task force could be set up to improve the planning and operation of the state’s public transportation system.

He added, improving the transport system was extremely important, particularly municipal transport which needed improvement as it also affected the quality of living of the people, especially in the Klang Valley.

“I would like for us to reduce public-private transportation from 10-90 to 50-50, by increasing the use of public transport.

He hope the Federal and State Governments would be able to work together in ensuring a more efficient public transport.

He added, one of the aims included creating a ‘One Hour Transport Module’ whereby every place in Selangor could be reached within an hour.

In such a case, he said, public transportation which included buses, rail and cabs had to be integrated.

He hoped all parties including professionals, academicians, bus operators and comsumers would involve themselves in this process to improve the public transport.

The Selangor state government on Mar 4 had announced five areas that had been identified to stimulate the state’s economy.

These included the cleaning and preserving the Klang River as well as expanding the state’s transportation system which is expected to create investment opportunities worth more than RM50 bilion. – NOOR ALLIA KASSIM