KUCHING: City dwellers play an important role in protecting and contributing to a clean and healthy environment, said Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
In highlighting this, the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) said they should be more responsible for maintaining cleanliness for a healthy and safe life.
“When we say clean city, the first thing that comes to our mind is a city completely clean of garbage, pollution and dirt.
“I think keeping our city clean is every citizen’s duty. First, we should love our city and loving Kuching is to keep it clean. That is why awareness and the need to have clean cities must be created by all means necessary. “
Hasidah, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this at the launch of Kuching Cleanliness Month at Kuching Waterfront on Today (July 3).
She pointed out that there are still some irresponsible individuals who do not care about the cleanliness of the environment, especially in public areas, and thus resort to littering and engaging in illegal garbage disposal activities.
“This kind of attitude should be stopped because not only will it stain the surrounding area but the disease danger posed by rats, flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches will threaten the health and well-being of city dwellers and at the same time, tarnish the image of Kuching city, which was proclaimed the cleanest city in 2011.”
Hasidah also emphasised that it is crucial for Kuching citizens to prevent littering and to dispose garbage appropriately.
“Many of us have this terrible habit of disposing garbage right on the spot when we are sitting or standing. That must stop. Be hygienic and try to reuse and recycle whenever we can,” she added.
She called on people to cooperate with the three local councils in order to provide a safe environment.
The programme, which carries the theme “Kuching Bersih Tanggungjawab Bersama”, involved the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
Among the planned activities include a Clean Kuching City Run, city hygiene seminars, clean toilet competition, clean city awareness, rat eradication campaign for the year, communal works and Buy Back Recycling campaign.
