As a responsible property developer, SDB has not only rehabilitated but also further enhanced the river with a bioengineering system that is new in Malaysia, to ensure it continues to rehabilitate itself in the long run.

SELANGOR Dredging Berhad (SDB) has come a long way from its humble beginnings as the first Malaysian company to operate a dredge to an award-winning developer, making headway not only through its innovative concepts and designs but also, its responsibility to the environment.

A new addition to its long list of accolades is the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Silver Award, under the environment (rehabilitation/conservation) category, for its rehabilitation effort using a leading edge bioengineering method of wetland vegetation in one of its developments — By The Sea.

By The Sea is a rare freehold beachfront development, located in one of the most popular holiday destinations in Penang – Batu Ferringhi.

Despite its prime locality, however, one of the challenges faced by SDB during the initial stages of planning was the contaminated coast due to the incoming polluted river water.

The beaches suffered from erosion and sedimentation at the river mouth, which caused obstruction of river water to flow out of the sea.

Sungai Satu, a small river that runs through the development, was deemed a concern that required improvement due to its poor quality.

An initial water quality test was conducted prior to the development and traces of litter, detergents (soap), particulates and hydrocarbon (petrol/diesel) sheen were detected.

As a responsible property developer, SDB holds firm its belief that emphasis should not only be focused on the design of the development but also on the environment.

Hence, it has taken the initiative to not only rehabilitate but also further enhance it with a bioengineering system that is new in Malaysia, to ensure it continues to rehabilitate itself in the long-run.

The rehabilitated river is fully integrated with the development, which provides By The Sea residents with an authentic outdoor experience.

This would not only beautify the landscape but also mitigate any major flooding and erosion to the riverbank.

The River Rehabilitation System is the first ‘all-in-one’ rehabilitation method with a philosophy to provide flood protection and water treatment, coupled with a strong emphasis on re-greening and ecological restoration.

It adopts a German-made bioengineering technology that uses natural elements such as silica sand and wetland plants for phytoremediation treatment, with minimal machinery for the river treatment process.

Rock mattresses, rock rolls and erosion-control blankets are part of the design, intent to provide more natural structures and ecological benefits.

It treats and improves the water quality using wetland plants to remove pollutants from the water.

More than 500 plants are sown, creating a wetland treatment area to absorb the ammonia, nitrates and other pollutants in the water before it flows out to sea.

Hence, it works on a 100% self-sustainable and completely environmental-friendly mechanism that is cost-effective as it requires very little maintenance.

The cleansing wetland method is a proven technology and provides a long-term function of 10 to 20 years.

Furthermore, the water treatment system also provides stability to the river embankment and a higher level of flood protection for the area.

By using a bioengineering solution, instead of adopting concrete or gabion walls to stabilise the river embankments, it opens up the possibility of landscaping to create a natural and pleasing environment.

More than 500 plants are sown, creating a wetland treatment area to absorb the ammonia, nitrates and other pollutants in the water before it flows out to sea.

With it, the river ecosystem has been enhanced and it becomes an asset that can be enjoyed by the community.

To date, SDB has had several visits from various university students who have made this project a case study for new methods and new technology in river rehabilitation.

In addition, By The Sea residents are also pleased that SDB has adopted a natural cleansing wetland treatment system to rehabilitate the river water into a healthy level.

The rehabilitated river is fully integrated with the development, which provides them with an authentic outdoor experience.

As the system is also designed for flood, erosion and sedimentation control, it safeguards the property from damage caused by flooding during the rainy season.

SDB is honoured to have its effort recognised with the Fiabci award, which reaffirms that the company is heading in the right direction.

What underlies its decision-making philosophy in the way it does business and ability to seek award-winning solutions is the effort invested in creating property developments with environmental sustainability in mind.

SDB believes that considerations such as design and energy efficiency within the homes and in the common areas, as well as creating pleasant environments, leads to a more holistic living experience for all residents.

Therefore, while it would have been easier to merely cover up the polluted river, SDB went the extra mile by investing approximately RM2.8mil to clean and enhance the stretch of the river that runs through the land via the environmentally sustainable method.

By doing so, cleaner water would be channelled into the sea and this would, in turn, benefit not only residents but also the community in Batu Ferringhi.

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