The rivers of Malaysia (Malay: sungai) form a dense network of waterways across the peninsula and Borneo. They have shaped settlement, transport and economy from precolonial times to the present. Some cross state boundaries and some drain into the Strait of Malacca, the South China Sea or the Sulu and Celebes Seas.
Major rivers and notable examples
Several rivers are widely cited for their length or regional importance. The Rajang in Sarawak is commonly recognised as the longest river wholly within Malaysia, while the Pahang River is the longest on Peninsular Malaysia. The Kinabatangan is the principal river of eastern Sabah. The Klang River runs through the capital region and has strong historical and contemporary significance.
Representative list by state and territory
The following list gives notable rivers associated with each Malaysian state and federal territory. It is not exhaustive; many smaller tributaries and local names exist.
- Perlis & Kedah: Perlis River, Kedah River (examples of northern peninsula drainage).
- Penang & Perak: Perak River, Kerian River, Muda River (important for irrigation and towns).
- Selangor & Kuala Lumpur: Klang River, Gombak River, Selangor River (urban waterways).
- Negeri Sembilan & Melaka: Linggi River, Muar River (mouths on the Strait of Malacca).
- Johor: Johor River, Endau River, Muar River (southern peninsula flows).
- Pahang: Pahang River, Rompin River (major east–west drainage on the peninsula).
- Terengganu & Kelantan: Terengganu River, Kelantan River (east coast rivers with monsoon influence).
- Sabah: Kinabatangan River, Padas River, Labuk River (east coast and interior rivers).
- Sarawak: Rajang River, Baram River, Limbang River (large rivers of northern Borneo).
- Federal territories: Small urban rivers and drains in Putrajaya, Labuan and Kuala Lumpur.
Uses, ecology and issues
Rivers support freshwater fisheries, agriculture, transport and hydroelectricity. Riverine forests, floodplains and wetlands are important habitats for many species, particularly in Borneo where rivers like the Kinabatangan host rich wildlife. Human pressures include pollution, urban runoff, deforestation, dam construction and seasonal flooding; these challenges are the focus of conservation and river-management programs.
For organized indexes and state-by-state listings see the full compilation of Malaysian rivers and general information about Malaysia. Local maps and government water agencies provide detailed drainage-basin boundaries and tributary names for further research.