MALAYSIA: A recent video of otters playing along the banks of the Klang River has sparked excitement among nature lovers. The sighting suggests that these elusive creatures are making a return to one of Malaysia’s most historically polluted waterways.
The footage, first shared by a Redditor, shows the otters moving freely in the water, a rare sight in an urban setting. For decades, Klang River has been plagued by pollution, making it an inhospitable environment for many forms of wildlife. However, the presence of these mammals is being seen as a sign that the river is showing signs of ecological recovery.
Otters seen returning to Klang River in KL
byu/Capable_Bank4151 inmalaysia
Otters in Klang River: A rare but historic presence
Otters are not new to Malaysia’s rivers, but their presence in the Klang River has always been rare. Historically, smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) and Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) have been found in the country’s waterways, particularly in mangroves and wetlands. However, urbanisation and pollution have pushed them further into more remote habitats.
According to Mr Woo Chee Yoong, a research assistant at the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), otters were once more commonly seen in the Klang River decades ago, but as pollution worsened, their numbers dwindled. “Otters rely on clean water with abundant fish to thrive, and for a long time, Klang River did not offer them a suitable environment,” he explained in an interview with Malay Mail.
The recent sighting has drawn comparisons to past otter appearances in urban areas of Malaysia, such as a family of otters seen at Taman Tasik Metropolitan Kepong. Their ability to adapt to urban environments is remarkable, but only if they have a safe and clean ecosystem to support them.
Why are the otters returning?
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the otters’ reappearance, several factors could be at play. The Klang River has undergone significant clean-up efforts in recent years, thanks to initiatives like the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) and the introduction of The Interceptor, a solar-powered river-cleaning device by the Dutch non-profit organisation The Ocean Cleanup. These projects have helped remove large amounts of floating waste, improving the river’s overall health.
In addition, stricter environmental policies and increased public awareness about pollution may have contributed to a gradual improvement in water quality. The availability of food sources, such as fish, also plays a crucial role in attracting otters back to the river.
A fragile return: Can the otters stay?
Despite the excitement over their return, experts warn that the otters’ presence is not a definitive sign that Klang River has fully recovered. Pollution remains an issue, with plastic waste and chemical runoff still affecting parts of the river. The same video of the otters also revealed areas where rubbish was visible, reminding Malaysians that much work still needs to be done.
“Otters are very smart mammals. They will not choose to stay in an area if the environment is not clean and if it does not have sufficient food supply,” noted Mr Woo. He urged authorities and the public to continue conservation efforts, stressing that without proper protection, the otters may be unable to establish a stable population in Klang River.
Community efforts, such as those led by Cuci Malaysia and the Royal Selangor Yacht Club, have played a role in improving river conditions by organising clean-up drives and raising awareness about pollution. However, sustained efforts are needed to ensure the Klang River becomes a long-term home for wildlife.
The return of otters to Klang River is not just a wildlife story—it is a symbol of resilience and the potential for nature to reclaim urban spaces when given a chance. While it remains to be seen whether these creatures will stay permanently, their presence has rekindled hope for a future where humans and wildlife can coexist, even in bustling cities like Kuala Lumpur.
For now, the otters serve as a gentle reminder that nature can make a comeback, but only if people continue to protect and restore their natural environments.