SIBU: Efforts to raise awareness about river cleanliness and safety will persist as part of ongoing initiatives to educate the community, says Safiee Ahmad.
Safiee, the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) chairman, said that SRB’s focus extends beyond one-off programmes, with several initiatives planned throughout Sarawak, including in Lawas and other areas.
“We will continue with follow-up actions to ensure our efforts in raising awareness about river cleanliness, especially regarding environmental and safety issues, are sustained and prolonged.”
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the River Cleanliness Campaign cum Ngiling Bidai Ceremony at Rh Henry, Sungai Passin, here yesterday (July 3).
Safiee, who is also the Daro assemblyman, said that the programme has received excellent cooperation from the local residents, which includes seven longhouses and participation from students of SK Sungai Passin and Passin Health Clinic.
“One of the main objectives is to instil a sense of responsibility among the riverine communities to maintain river cleanliness.
“Rivers are a valuable heritage that we must preserve for future generations. During the programme, various activities such as communal work (gotong-royong), school-level awareness programmes, and briefings were conducted.”
He expressed confidence that such programmes would significantly aid SRB’s ongoing efforts to foster community awareness.
“Sarawak is fortunate to have numerous rivers, and we have dedicated agencies such as LSS, along with others like the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, that implement similar programmes.
“Through integrated programme implementation, God willing, the government’s noble efforts to enhance community awareness about the importance of river cleanliness will be effectively realised.”
At the event, Safiee also witnessed the symbolic signing of the contract for the construction of the proposed Jalan Sungai Passin/Matu project by the Mukah Division Public Works Department to the contractor.
He also presented MRP grants totalling RM57,000 to seven JKKK Sungai Passin and PIBG SK Sungai Passin.
Also present were Romeo Christopher Tegong, a political secretary to the Sarawak Premier; and SRB controller Lt Col Ding Tiew Wong.
