Plastic is the main problem polluting our oceans. It is causing a massive problem to ocean life and it will eventually affect us as we are consumers of seafood.
After a study done by #theoceancleanup group based in Netherlands, they found that most of the source of plastic waste actually comes from rivers which lead into the ocean. So, it is more effective to capture the plastic in rivers.
On 9 November 2019, YB Zairil Khir Johari together with YB Azrul Mahathir (Bayan Lepas State Assemblyman), Ir Shukri Bin Muslim (Director of Department of Irrigation and Drainage Penang), Penang DID District Engineers and Shakir Ameer (Shah Alam City Councillor) decided to visit the famous Interceptor 2.0 at Sungai Klang. The visit was organised by the project owner, Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated subsidiary Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd.
Interceptor 002 is a floating barge with a logboom and conveyor belt to catch floating waste including plastics. The Interceptor is also self-sustainable as it uses solar power and does not require any other fuels.
Interceptor 002 is currently at Sungai Klang which is one of the 50 most polluted rivers in the world with 15,000 MT/year of plastic waste.
As the suitability of the Interceptor is dependent on the hydrologics, depth and width of rivers, a feasibility study needs to be done to assess its suitability for use in Penang, particularly Sungai Pinang or Sungai Prai.
Sdr Zairil’s status update from his official Facebook page: