RESTORING RIVER ECOLOGICAL VALUE AT SUNGAI PUSU GOMBAK SELANGOR

Abstract

Rivers are among the most prevalent ecosystems that are either endangered, substantially degraded, in poor health, damaged, or heavily changed by human activity. Four main problems are occurring at the Pusu River: i) river pollution, ii) sedimentation, iii) flood risk, and iv) habitat loss. The study focuses on restoring river ecological value that was degraded due to human activities and development at the Pusu River in Gombak, Selangor. This study aims to develop a landscape masterplan for the Pusu River as a nature recreational activity park for the IIUM community while sustaining life on land, below water, well-being, and protecting life (al -'nafs). The objectives of this study are to restore the river ecosystem, create a nature preservation area, and provide a nature comprehensive design. This study used three methods to collect the data: i) document analysis, ii) site observation, and iii) survey questionnaire. These methods were chosen to analyse the site's current condition and propose design solutions to overcome the four main problems mentioned. The findings can be segmented into three main attributes: physical, natural, and social. The river hydrology observation indicates a very poor condition of the Pusu River, with sedimentation that causes the river to become shallow with murky water that reduces its aesthetic value. The output of the study encompasses the designing stage of proposing an eco-river park master plan and a detailed development plan that emphasises on restoring water quality, returning wildlife, and creating space for recreational activity.