Melaka Introduces Hydrobikes That Can Help Collect Floating Garbage In Rivers
The bikes are equipped with a net that traps garbage.
By Celine Low — 12 Dec 2023, 02:56 PM
Melaka has introduced the 'SMART Hydrobike' as a new initiative to help collect floating garbage in the Melaka River
This initiative, a collaboration between Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) and the Melaka River and Coastal Development Corp (PPSPM), is part of ongoing efforts to keep the river clean.
The innovative water bike project, developed by UTeM lecturers and students, took two months to complete, reported Utusan Malaysia.
The bikes come equipped with a net that traps garbage in the river, as the biker pedals along the surface of the water. According to Malacca Today, the bikes can also be fitted with a tracking device and sensors to take temperature and humidity readings.
Melaka State Executive Council member Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan said the cost to produce a single SMART Hydrobike is between RM3,000 and RM5,000, reported Malacca Today
The university has produced 10 units so far, and six of them have been handed over to PPSPM for use.
Fairul said that there has been interest in the product from various parties, and PPSPM will carry out an in-depth study to determine if it is necessary to add more units of the bike to the river, reported Berita RTM.
"This water bike is still in its trial period. Currently, only staff members can use it to clean the Melaka River. If the feedback from this initiative is positive, we will produce more units," he said.
He added that in addition to cleaning the river, this invention has the potential to be the latest water vehicle for the Melaka River alongside the Melaka River Cruise, as it can potentially also be used for leisure rides along the river.
