Living by the River is a zine that delves into the relationship between the Klang River and the people who depend on it. Published in conjunction with the Klang River Festival (KRF) 2022, this book explores the river's historical, cultural, and environmental significance. It invites reflection on the complexities of the river’s role in shaping Kuala Lumpur—its development, its people, and its future.
The zine reveals the deep connection between the river, Old Klang Road, and the surrounding communities. The publication is designed to engage individuals, institutions, and organisations interested in environmental conservation, heritage preservation, and community-driven action. Living by the River is a valuable resource for those who seek a deeper understanding of the Klang River’s impact on the city’s identity and the urgent need to protect it.
Through oral histories and visual narratives, the publication honours the living memory of the communities that have shaped, and been shaped by, the river. It also serves as a platform for storytelling, preserving the voices of those who have witnessed the river’s transformation over time. By combining deep storytelling with actionable insights, the zine seeks to inspire readers to engage in the ongoing conversation about environmental preservation and community-driven change. It is a resource for anyone who wants to play a role in safeguarding the Klang River, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Launched by KongsiKL, the Klang River Festival (KRF) 2022 is an annual event aimed at sparking public dialogue on heritage, culture, and identity. Originally conceived as a farewell to KongsiKL’s previous lease, the festival sought to highlight the river’s role in the city, raise awareness about conservation, climate change, and cultural preservation, and encourage more sustainable urban lifestyles. Realising the event’s potential, KRF evolved into an ongoing tradition to honor the river, an essential yet often overlooked part of the city.
KRF serves as an open platform that brings together individuals, NGOs, and the private sector to foster socio-ecological sustainability. The festival’s core mission is to reconnect people with the river and celebrate its significance.
Focused on Kuala Lumpur, a city founded at the confluence of two rivers, KRF works to raise awareness of the river’s importance through alternative lifestyles and the innovative use of public spaces. By transforming the Klang River Valley into a more livable space, KRF encourages people to rediscover their connection to the river, through events held in the city’s iconic heritage buildings.The festival comprises:
· book documentation
· dialogue sessions with scholars, researchers and members of public
· arts performances
· workshops
· creative installations
· curated markets
· heritage walks
· film screenings
The 2023 Klang River Festival aimed to reconnect Kuala Lumpur’s residents with the Klang River, a connection often overshadowed by urbanisation. Running for 17 days from September 9th, the festival featured a diverse program across 11 venues along the river.
Through exhibitions, talks, film screenings, workshops, performances, and guided tours, the festival delved into the river’s history, ecology, and cultural significance. Focusing on themes of ecology, community, and culture, the event sought to raise awareness of the river's importance and inspire a renewed bond with this vital natural and cultural resource.
Presented by KongsiKL and supported by EXSIM, the Klang River Festival returns with a transformative theme, "Act!vate," aiming to spark environmental awareness and inspire collective action to reconnect with nature and revitalise the Klang River.
The festival featured a diverse program spanning from September to December 2024, including educational initiatives, an international exchange on riverine reactivation, stakeholder meetings, alignments, and public writing workshops. It culminated in a grand finale from November 29 to December 1, with workshops, activities, and events fostering community-driven efforts in environmental conservation.
