Local communities within the Penchala basin are an essential part of the programme as their training and subsequent initiatives can potentially shape the future status of the river.

Community Engagement and Training of Trainers (TOT)

In total 10 communities were chosen based on the 3:4:3 ratio representing upstream, middle and downstream of Sungai Penchala respectively. They were consulted and engaged for TOT on river management incorporated with RIVER and SMART Ranger modules. The TOT was successfully conducted on 19th September 2015 at Sungai Penchala Information Centre followed by practical training at Sungai Penchala Open classroom. A total of 12 participants from 6 communities attended the full-day training which exposes the community on the water quality monitoring and solid waste management activities.

Follow-up Initiatives and Activities

Follow-up initiatives were subsequently planned by the trained communities based on their local issues or resources. The project team has been providing constant advice and assistance on proposed initiatives by each trained community. Four proposed initiatives including rainwater harvesting systems, water educational forums and river stretch beautifications are to be conducted in 2016.

As of July 2016, several follow-up activities were conducted with trained communities.

17th January 2016: SMART Ranger training for Bukit Kiara Long House Community

26th January 2016: Presentation of initiatives to the Japanese Community at the Bukit Kiara Longhouse

10th & 19th February 2016: Establishment of communities’ SMART Ranger committee

20th March & 17th April 2016: SMART Ranger training for Block 2 & 3 Residents of Desa Mentari

23rd April 2016: Sungai Way river Clean-up activity involving Desa Mentari communities

8th October 2016: Blok 3 Community Garden Clean-Up & River Bank Beautification

22nd October 2016 – TTDI Middlestream Community Training

14th January 2017: Blok 3 Community RIVER & SMART Ranger Training

Community Outreach

As one of the successfully outreached communities outside the Penchala basin since W.A.T.E.R Project establishment, pollution mapping and water quality testing was done for the Sungai Midah community for better river monitoring and management.