River transportation master plan study for environmental enhancement

Abstract

Inland waterways have long been utilized for various purposes including transportation. Since the development of road and rail took place, the use of inland waterways through rivers or canals has been neglected to give way for other modes of transport resulting in environmental degradation. In most developed countries, a revived plan has been formulated in implementing the optimum use of the inland waterways system for transportation purposes including USA, UK, European countries, etc. Malaysia too, owing to a substantial growth in population as well as economy, is experiencing something similar to what developed nations have gone through. With vast river network system in the country, Malaysia would surely wish to put the experiences into practice. A comprehensive master plan study should be undertaken to determine the potential rivers for development as well as to determine the level of development. The chapter highlights some considerations in ensuring the successful implementation of the environmental protection programme by developing and utilizing an environmentally friendly mode of inland water transport in Malaysia.