Reminder for Suggestions to Integrate Aquaponic System into River of Life Project to Increase City Self-Reliance& Sustainability

I have written to Kuala Lumpur City Mayor numerous times as well as others city Mayors in Malaysia to build up resiliency. Resiliency in terms of food security, water security and Renewable Power, EcoMobility and most importantly cultivate a civilized and environmental conscious population. 

This is one of the example I have written to DBKL. 

Letter to Kuala Lumpur City Mayor

Refer to my email date 5th March 2016, I would like to reiterate my suggestion to increase Kuala Lumpur’s self-reliance and sustainability by integrate aquaponic system into the River of Life Project. 

Herewith attached sketches for the 2 aquaponic system,  

1. Raft Technique Aquaponic system consist of bamboo raft as growing planter, wrapped around with netting (allowing only small fishes to take refuge), seating on aluminium frame tray that anchoring to concrete wall with stainless steel cable. A divider is secure at the front against water direction to divert debris away and protect against extreme river flow rate. LED lighting on the raft is optional. This system is productive& cheap. Planting and harvest of crops can be done by retrieve the tray (Modular system).
2. NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) Aquaponic system consist of a series of PVC piping or aluminium tray fixed on the hanger of a mobile rail rack and secured on floating device that float the whole system when river water level exceeded design level. An I-beam is bolted on the concrete wall, act as guide for the railing rack for it to float when necessary. Ram pump is pumping the river water to feed the system on the top most growing tray. Water is flow by gravity to the rest of the sloping growing tray where it discharges to weed/frog pond before finally discharge back to river. 

Aquaponic system yield four times as much of crops per hectare and save up to 95% of water compare to land based farming method. Agriculture consume two third of total water consumption thus saving 95% of it will not only ensure water security but also protect water source since traditional farming caused eutrophication that damage water ecosystem and water quality whereas this system will help to create symbiotic relationship with aquatic life therein. However, I would suggest trying decorative plants first and only go for the edible when the water quality reached class IIB, as designed. An self-regulate automation system to monitor and control pH level, water level, temperature, PPM, &oxygen, and surveillance camera, can be installed.

Economically, it generates income, e.g. 3sqm yield 128 heads of lettuce, at average market rate of RM3.95/lettuce, it generates RM168.53 revenue per meter square per month. Decorative plants(Flower) can also be sold for profit. However, I suggest DBKL establish a company to have more efficient operation and management. 

Furthermore, I would like to reiterate my suggestion to install mini-hydro that easily generate 5kw per unit to power the lighting and probably extra could supply to electric vehicle charging station, along the river. 

Produce organic food locally reduce food miles and wastage (>30% of wastage during transport). It also reduces the need for refrigerant and electricity for keeping it fresh. This will be the healthiest, cheapest and most environmental friendly option for the city folks for many generations. Also indirectly increase their health and avoid unnecessary medical cost& suffering. Manual labours for maintenance could be done by employ homelessness around the city which has increased threefold from year 2013 to 2,000as of 2014. Harvest could be sold to local market or donate to charity organization. 

I hope to have the opportunity to meet you to discuss how it could make our city greener and better.

*The blog is solely created and maintaining with my own resource. No obligation, any amount of ex-gratia is appreciated.

Maybank (Malaysia)account number : 1643 1529 3268 (Tay Kian Guan)