The Carnival is the first of its kind to be organised in this area, and received a warm welcome from the local community (residents of Desa Mentari) that live amongst the Sg. Way Basin. Almost 500 people, both residents and guests, were present to celebrate and appreciate the river that gives life to this area.

The River Carnival was co-organised by the GAB Foundation, in collaboration with Global Environment Centre,LA21 MBPJ, JPS Petaling and Selangor. Besides this, tremendous support was received other project partners who include the Jabatan Perpaduan dan Intergriti Nasional Selangor, Department of Environment Selangor, Lembaga Urus Air Selangor, Circle Field Sdn. Bhd., Alam Flora Sdn.Bhd., and of course, the local community of Desa Mentari.

The Carnival kicked off early in the morning of 23^rd May 2009 at 7.00 am. Mr Faizal Parish (Director, GEC) gave a warm welcome speech, which was followed closely by a speech from YB Tan Sri Saw Huat Lye (Chairman, GAB Foundation). The Carnival was then officiated by MBPJ Council Member En.Halimey Abu Bakar (representing the Mayor of Petaling Jaya).

A very unique and symbolic method was used to launch this Carnival, involving both the guests of honour and residents of the area. Everyone gathered at the banks of the river, armed with mud balls and Effective Microbe juice. Once the signal was given, all the mud balls and Effective Microbes juice were simultaneously poured and flung into the river. It was indeed a wonderful sight to see such a spirit of unity among community members, coming together to ensure that the river receives the care and love which it needs. The mud balls and Effective Microbe juice were contributed by Circle Field Sdn.Bhd.

To complement the carnival feel of this historic event, many games and activities were organised for the local community and members of the public. Children and adults from all walks of life actively participated in all the events, showing full support and enthusiasm. Among the games that were organised include the River Hunt, Shopping Game, Nature Craft and others. Activities such as the River Cleanup, and Drain Stenciling were also carried out.

For more information dissemination and awareness on water, rivers and solid waste management, there was also an exhibition that was held during the carnival. The Global Environment Centre, GAB Foundation, JPS Selangor/Petaling, Lembaga Urus Air Selangor, LA21 MBPJ, Beautiful Gates Foundation and Circle Field Sdn.Bhd. were among the participating exhibitors.

An important aspect that was highlighted in the Carnival was the ‘Zero Waste Concept’, which was introduced by the event organizers. As the title of the concept suggests, the ultimate goal is to minimize waste production to a zero level, and maximize reusing and recycling waste effectively. The 4R 2C concept advocates a zero waste system, where it makes a person an environmentally wise consumer (Rethink) by minimizing waste production (Reduce), reusing waste (Reuse), and maximizing recycling (Recycle). The 2 Cs in this concept ensures that wastes is recycled back to nature (Compost) and placed back into its market place (Close the loop).

During the River Carnival, instead of serving food in polystyrene cups and plates (or even paper for that matter), the community was asked to bring their own plates, cups and spoons from home instead. Food for the VIPs were served on banana leaves. This simple technique was successful in demonstrating that bringing your own container (B.Y.O.C) can help to reduce the amount of waste generated drastically.

The ‘Zero Waste Concept’ was very well accepted by the local community, as everyone brought their own containers for lunch!  On top of that, it has actually been adopted by many to be promoted in their future events. 

The event came to an end at 12.30pm, after a closing speech was delivered by En. Halimey Abu Bakar (representing the State Assemblymen of Seri Setia).

In the opening address of the Mayor of MBPJ, he mentions that the rehabilitation efforts in Sungai Way which focus on Civic Science is the best and most suitable way to reach the hearts of the local community. An approach which takes into consideration the knowledge, awareness and skills in a given community is timely and important in the success of any campaign or project.

The effort to enhance the awareness and importance of River Care was seen clearly in this Carnival. It was indeed a day of fun, learning and excitement, and the objective of the carnival was met – the local community and members of the public can now see and accept that the river that runs behind their homes is the source of life for all of them, and the responsibility to care for it lies in their hands.