MIRI: Students and staff of the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently undertook a cleaning event at Lutong Beach about 10 kilometres from its campus.
A total 45 students and 12 lecturers from SPACE’s foundation and diploma programmes were joined by staff from Miri City Council (MCC), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Petronas in the initiative.
They were supported by Champion Badminton Court & Pro Shop and the city Council (MCC).
Event organiser Siti Kasmah Mohamad Kassim said, the event was aimed at promoting environmental awareness and community engagement among Mirians, in addition to keeping Lutong beach relatively clean and free of debris for the public who frequent it for sightseeing and recreation, especially on weekends.
“Recognising the importance of preserving the delicate ecosystem, we took the initiative to organise this beach cleaning activity. We managed to mobilise quite a large group of students and lecturers, and welcomed volunteers from other organisations to join the effort,” said Siti Kasmah.
Fellow lecturer Hanley Fong, meanwhile, remarked that the effort not only resulted in a cleaner and safer environment for both humans and marine life, it conveyed a powerful message about the importance of responsible waste management, and protection of aquatic life in accordance with the 14th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: Life Below Water.
