By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 15: ‘Take care of the rivers, and the rivers will take care of us’—these were the words said by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Maritime and Riverine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep as part of his message to encourage more people to protect and preserve rivers.
In a TVS report, Henry said that this is not only in terms of cleanliness, but also for navigation safety, economic flow, and the well-being of local communities and that proper river care can bring significant benefits to society in many aspects of life.
“If we take care of the rivers, the rivers will take care of us. But if we neglect it, the river will become a source of problems and disasters,” he said.
He said this when officiating the closing of the Friends of Rivers Batang Kemena River Cleanliness Awareness Programme at the Bintulu Passenger Terminal, Sarawak Rivers Board Bintulu Division, today.
Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, said that the cleanliness of a river reflects the image of the local community.
He cited that the rise in dengue cases in several areas around Bintulu serves as a clear reminder that river cleanliness and its surroundings are closely linked to public health.
He explained that stagnant water caused by clogged rivers, blocked drains, and rubbish-filled riverbanks are the main breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
“That is why today’s programme is not just a cleaning campaign, but part of a larger strategy to protect the lives and health of our community,” he said.
Henry stressed that awareness of cleanliness must be nurtured from school days so that the younger generation becomes accustomed to disposing of rubbish properly, even in forests or recreational areas.
He also called on all parties to work together to ensure rivers remain a clean and safe lifeline for the well-being of local communities. — DayakDaily
