Sungai Kayu Ara Restoration:
A BAC Leo Club Initiative

The Sungai Kayu Ara River Clean-Up on the 27th of September 2025 marked the first initiative under the leadership of the newly appointed Director of the BAC Leo Club.

Inspired by Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ)’s new move to open river clean-ups to public participation, particularly encouraging youth involvement, this event emerged as a pioneering collaboration.

Recognising this opportunity, the BAC Leo Club collaborated with MBPJ, leading to the formation of a meaningful environmental initiative aimed at raising awareness, fostering civic responsibility and engaging young people in hands-on sustainability efforts.

15 dedicated individuals showed up on the day, ready to make a difference.

Program Highlights

In-River Clean-Up

Volunteers took part in hands-on efforts to remove waste directly from within the river itself. This initiative was a key component of the clean-up, as it targeted pollution at its source - addressing debris and contaminants that had accumulated in the water. Equipped with proper safety gear, participants waded into the river to collect plastic, glass and other pollutants, demonstrating a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

Rubbish Plogging & Riverbank Cleaning

In addition to the in-river work, volunteers also participated in “plogging”, a combination of jogging and picking up litter along the riverbanks and surrounding areas. This ensured a more holistic approach to the clean-up, tackling waste both in and around the river. Special attention was given to heavily littered areas near pedestrian paths and natural embankments, contributing to a more comprehensive environmental restoration effort.

Pre-Event Awareness Briefing

Before the clean-up activity began, representatives from MBPJ conducted an important awareness and safety briefing for all participants. This session not only emphasised the historic significance of Malaysia’s first-ever open-to-public river clean-up, but also provided crucial information on safety protocols. Volunteers were informed about potential risks, including the rare chance of encountering local wildlife such as monitor lizards. The organisers assured attendees that all necessary precautions had been taken, with safety clearance and coordination from relevant environmental and wildlife authorities.

Impact & Reflections

This clean-up brought both environmental and personal growth impacts. Volunteers demonstrated remarkable teamwork and commitment, and the event strengthened the community's shared sense of environmental stewardship. From a leadership standpoint, this initiated show untapped potential for volunteer recruitment. A key takeaway was the importance of knowing and engaging volunteers as individuals, not merely attendees, fostering stronger connections and motivation within the team.

Looking Ahead

The BAC Leo Club plans to expand on this success with future clean-ups and sustainability-focused projects. Areas for growth include improved volunteer management, greater engagement of Leo members and positioning future events not just as service activities, but also as opportunities for community building and meaningful connection.

The Sungai Kayu Ara River Clean-Up was more than just a clean-up. It was a call to action. By uniting youth, local authorities, and the community, the BAC Leo Club hopes to inspire greater environmental responsibility, one river at a time.

Join the Leos and make a difference one act of service at a time, where small actions, bring big impact.

Be the change with BAC Leo Club.