KOTA SAMARAHAN: Raising awareness on environmental conservation as well as collaboration between individuals and organisations is key to ensuring the success of environmental conservation initiatives.
In stressing this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said it is pertinent that the environment is conserved as failing to do so will affect both the health and safety of the surrounding community.
“It is my hope that there will be continued efforts to increase community awareness and commitment to achieve the government’s goal to develop Sarawak based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“This is especially important among the younger generation, as they are the ones who will inherit the nation’s environment,” he said.
His text-of-speech was read by Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, who represented him to officiate at the Clean Environment to Guarantee Sustainable Life Programme at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak branch here today (October 29).
The programme earlier showcased exhibitions from various agencies, including the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB), UiTM Department of Environment, Kuching South City Council, Sarawak Rivers Board, Trieneken, Naked Wonders, Sar Alam, ZHA Environmental, DNS Waste M, and Worming Up.
It also featured the sale of recycled materials, offering the community and students a chance to contribute to recycling efforts.
The ceremony further witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) and UiTM, establishing a strategic partnership for long-term collaboration in organising community-related projects and programmes.
The programme today was also part of the ‘100 Days of Clean Samarahan Programme’ which was commenced from June until October 2023.
Key activities organised under the programme included a Poster Competition, Recycling Weighing Competition involving four villages, and a Cleanliness and Joy Library Village competition for 20 village libraries.
Also present were Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) permanent secretary Elizabeth Loh; MPKS chairman Datuk Peter Minos, acting secretary Lilian Liew and community, social, tourism and arts councillor Florince Christy; and UiTM Sarawak Deputy Rector Associate Prof. Dr Saimi Bujang.
