KUCHING: The authorities concerned should put more rubbish bins and fine litter bugs at the Kuching Waterfront.
This was pointed out by a public member Sky Soon when met at the location today.
“Littering problem is not something new at Kuching Waterfront but it does not mean that we should ignore it. It is a habit among irresponsible locals and it reflects a negative impression to tourists which could lead to negative views of our people and place.
“We are still lacking in cleanliness. Personally, putting up signs of littering bans is useless because it will not bring any effect to the litter bugs. The authority concerned should catch them in the act and fine them highly so that they would learn their lesson,” Soon suggested.
He also stated that he has been working as a tourism service operator at the Kuching Waterfront since 10 years ago which he treated as his second home.
“I have been here all this while and I can attest to the fact that I witnessed the people littering and even disposed rubbish into the river. Sometimes, I would pick the rubbish myself but then I have no choice but to hang onto them first because the nearest rubbish bin is quite far,” he said.
“I think that the Kuching Waterfront has improved a lot under the care of the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU). For instance, they have installed safety barriers and benches along the riverbank. They also added a number of rubbish bins along the walkway which is very good so that fewer people would litter.
“However, that alone cannot solve the issue because littering is already a habit among the stubborn and irresponsible individuals,” Soon said.
Apart from that, he also highlighted other social problems in the area such as fighting, loitering, robbing and drunkards.
“Kuching Waterfront is an iconic tourist attraction. Hence, we should take care of the place and river very well,” he advised.
A foreign couple taking a stroll at the Kuching Waterfront described the place as “stunning!”
Denise Merry said, “There are different things every day and the place is very beautiful everywhere you look. The people are also friendly and it comforts us to use the broad walk,” she added.
Meanwhile her spouse, Iain Merry said that they have been coming back and forth to Kuching since the last 20 years.
“When we first arrived in Kuching, the new State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building was not around,” Iain said.
“This place (Kuching Waterfront) has undergone changes since we last came here. Now there is the Darul Hana Bridge and also the new Masjid India Kuching,” he said.
Denise also stated that she and Iain came all the way from England to Kuching for their holidays. They have been in Kuching for eight weeks and have considered Kuching as their alternative home.
On the other hand, a private sector employee Naziry Harizan, 24, said that Kuching Waterfront is still the centre of attraction for visitors to spend their time on weekends.
“The people still choose Kuching Waterfront as the ‘it’ place to spend time with family, friends or be alone,” he said.
“I’m more interested in the lively atmosphere of the area and to see creative handicrafts being sold by entrepreneurs on the sidewalks,” he pointed out.
According to Naziry, facilities such as public toilets and public transport services are still manageable and quite satisfactory. He also said that vendors could trade freely in the area.
To Naziry, a better Kuching Waterfront should have better security surveillance.
“Security and safety are of utmost importance in the area so sufficient security personnel should be in the area to monitor and ensure untoward incidents or thefts and robberies do not happen,” he said.
He added, “Kuching Waterfront has the potential to become a place to promote unity where various cultures and ethnic groups could come together to enhance atmosphere in the area.”
