SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) ‘Malaysia Clean-Up Day’ event held at Teku Community Hall in Jalan Kampung Bahagia Jaya here yesterday was intended to be a starting point in maintaining cleanliness of the environment.
SMC deputy chairman, Cr Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley cited that cleanliness is not the responsibility of certain individuals, but a collective responsibility of all.
He pointed out that community cooperation (gotong royong) spread the spirit of unity, and social responsibility among the communities.
About 200 people attended the event organised by SMC in collaboration with Sibu District Office, Department of National Unity & National Integration Sibu Division as well as various Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and Neighborhood Neighbourhood Area (KRT).
“We gather not only to clean the surrounding area, but also to sow awareness about the importance of public hygiene among the communities.
“This proves that the spirit of cooperation is intact among our communities in ensuring our environment is cleaner, healthier and more comfortable,” Izkandar added.
The organising chairman, Cr Simon Wee Kim Choon said this nationwide event was initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
According to him, this event would secure a place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the biggest cleanliness event ever to be recorded in Malaysia, held in conjunction with United Nation’s World Clean-Up Day on Sept 20 every year.
“We can play our part by firstly, planting trees to protect the environment. Secondly, be responsible in our consumption and production. Thirdly, carry out more recycling programmes like collections of recycleable items such as paper, plastic and aluminium. And lastly, create sustainable cities, towns and communities by promoting cycling, walking, or using public transportations.
“I hope our JKKK, KRT, NGO and government agencies will organise more community cooperation programmes in future,” Wee added.
Among those present were Kapitan So Teck Kee, Kapitan Thomas Tiang Nie Ping and representative from Sibu District Office, Morlina Morris.
