MIRI: Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin disclosed that the engagement of the community in clean rivers outreach programmes was essential to ensure the success of their implementations.
He said, that it is important for the public, especially those residing along the riverbanks to take ownerships of rivers and realise their roles in protecting the source for clean access and safe drinking water. Everyone plays a vital role in ensuring rivers are clean, Lee added.
“Water is life, and it is not only as one of major transportations in the state, but it is crucial for all aspects of our livelihood, namely from basic drinking water to food production to conservation of the environment,” Lee pointed out.
Speaking at the public awareness and safety programme of clean rivers at Kampung Pujut Tanjong Batu on Saturday (12 September), Lee was hoping that such campaign could enhance public’s awareness of how they could help in taking care of rivers.
“I do hope that this campaign can turn into a successful sustainability campaign so that we can have clean rivers and beaches,” he said.
During the one-day event, villagers managed to collect a total 734.5 kg of waste from Sungai Pujut and its surrounding areas.
The programme was hosted by Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and Miri City Council (MCC) with an aim to inculcate community awareness of rivers’ waste clean-up activities.
Also present were SRB chairman Dr Murni Suhaili, SRB assistant controller Region III Leonard Luhat Laing , Miri district officer Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf and Kampung Pujut Tanjong Batu village chief Isman Suleiman.
Later that day, Lee together with SRB chairman went to Kampung Piasau Jaya jetty, to witness the installation of floating barriers along the Miri River.
Once completed, the floating barriers would help prevent waste from flowing into the sea.
Lee commended efforts made by SRB together with MCC in successfully installing the floating barriers.
“These floating barriers help capture trash and prevent it from flowing into the sea,” `he said.
