MULU: Ensuring the cleanliness of rivers in the Mulu region is important to safeguard its status as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said river cleanliness is a crucial matter the community in Mulu should therefore prioritise.
“The rivers here must always remain clean, free of litter. If there is any waste, the local community must clean it up to prevent tourists from taking photos and sharing them on social media,” he said during the River Safety and Cleanliness Awareness Programme in Mulu on Friday (Sept 22).
Lee added that the Sarawak government is committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable river transportation system in the Mulu area, as river transport is a primary mode of transportation there.
Allocations have always been provided by the state government to the Sarawak Rivers Board for improvement and maintenance work on jetties, walkways, navigational aids, and more, he said.
In a related development he welcomed a proposal from Mulu residents for the implementation of river navigation aids.
“We will install signs such as markers and warnings so that you have a safe navigation route,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry contributed 49 life jackets and the Sarawak Rivers Board donated 85 safety vests to the residents and tourist boat operators in the area.
Also present at the event was Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala who is also Mulu assemblyman.
