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Years of plastic pollution in the Klang River have not only threatened the people who depend on it, but also the animals that call it home
For locals, this means polluted water, rising flood risks, and ecosystems under threat. For wildlife, it means losing safe habitats and food sources. The river that once supported life has now become something akin to a dumpsite.
But while the river faces a major pollution problem, efforts to turn the tide have already begun.
The Ocean Cleanup, together with its partners from the Selangor Maritime Gateway project and Coca-Cola Malaysia, is driving change along the Klang River
To see the river's journey, watch Seruan Hati Sungai Klang, a short film that tells the story of the Klang River and the progress made so far.
Through the voices of locals, each with their own connection to the river, the film shows how communities, partners, and technology are coming together to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and improve lives along its banks.
Check out the video below:
Through the short film, we see the reality of the river, but also the hope that comes with action
It all starts with stopping plastic at its source, before it ever reaches the ocean. To achieve this, the Ocean Cleanup has deployed two Interceptors in the Klang River, numbered 002 and 005. These solar-powered vessels act like giant floating barriers, guiding and trapping waste before it can drift downstream.
By halting rubbish at the source, the Interceptors prevent thousands of tonnes of plastic from ever reaching the sea, protecting both marine life and coastal communities.
Trapping the rubbish is only half the battle. The real challenge is figuring out what to do with it after.
That's why a brand-new waste sorting facility has been built along the Klang River, with support from Coca-Cola Malaysia, J&K Wonderland Foundation, and leadership from the Selangor Maritime Gateway project. Here, the collected waste is sorted, and plastic that would have ended up in landfills is given a chance at a second life.
It's a step towards making sure the river isn't just cleaner today, but stays cleaner for the future.
Beyond the technology and facilities, it's the people connected to the Klang River who give this mission its heart
For local fisherman Ridzuan Razali, the river is more than just water. "This river has a soul. It has a heart. It has a spirit. We must appreciate it," he said.
From the corporate side, Fizz Zaabah of Coca-Cola Malaysia shared how collaboration has been key: "I truly admire the commitment shown by everyone, the companies involved, the community, the villages. If it's not us serving our people and community, then who else will?"
And for Azhan Md Noor from the Selangor Maritime Gateway project, seeing plastic waste given a new purpose has been a proud milestone. "I feel very proud that we have managed to recycle the collected plastic and give it a second life," he said.
Together, their voices show how restoring the Klang River isn't just about cleaning up waste, it's about protecting livelihoods, communities, and a river that means so much to so many.
The clean up of the Klang River is part of a wider effort across Southeast Asia
To date, The Ocean Cleanup's Interceptors 002 and 005 have collectively removed nearly 3,000 tonnes of waste from the Klang River as it flows through Kuala Lumpur's industrial zones.
Similar vessels are also deployed in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, making this a region-wide effort.
Backing this mission is Coca-Cola, which has partnered with The Ocean Cleanup for the past four years. Beyond funding, their teams actively support the initiative on the ground, from driving awareness with media and stakeholders, to building broader industry connections.
Wanna be part of the change? It doesn't take much to make a big difference! <3
Every recycled bottle, every clean-up joined, and every conversation you spark about protecting our rivers adds up to real change. By supporting efforts like The Ocean Cleanup, you're not just helping the Klang River, you're keeping plastic out of our oceans and safeguarding the future of communities and wildlife.
Find out more or support their mission by donating at The Ocean Cleanup's official website.
