By Karen Bong and Marlynda Meraw
BINTULU, Aug 18: The Ministry of Works, in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and Pan Borneo Highway Asset Management Sdn Bhd, has launched the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak Cleanliness Campaign themed “Jum Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-Bait”, calling on the public to stop littering and help preserve a clean, comfortable, and safe highway as a symbol of Sarawak’s progress.
Inspired by the late Sarawak Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem’s call to cherish Sarawak and its development, the campaign was officiated today by Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi at a P-Turn along the Miri–Bintulu stretch through a community gotong-royong programme.
The initiative comes in response to growing littering problems at P-Turns, bus stops, and overhead pedestrian bridges along the highway, which have not only marred the landscape but also posed safety hazards to motorists and tarnished Sarawak’s image.
Expressing dismay over the situation, Nanta lamented the irresponsible dumping of plastics, bottles, tyres, food waste and even mattresses.
“We must be honest with ourselves. Littering is not only against the law but also shows a lack of discipline. If we don’t take care of Sarawak, who will? Let’s not allow the image of our State to be tarnished just because of irresponsible behaviour,” he said.
Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, stressed that the Pan Borneo Highway is not just a road but a symbol of Sarawak’s pride, a lifeline of development, a link between towns and hinterlands, a unifier of people, and a vital foundation for the State’s economy.
“Pan Borneo does not belong only to the government; it belongs to all Sarawakians. We must take the best possible care of it. We must realise that a good road alone is not enough. If it becomes littered, damaged, or unsafe, the true meaning of progress is lost,” he emphasised.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness among highway users and surrounding communities to be more responsible in safeguarding this national asset.
“As a Sarawakian, my hope is to see Pan Borneo always clean, comfortable, and safe. I want every citizen travelling on it to feel proud, not ashamed. This road must stand as proof that Sarawakians not only receive development but also know how to protect and value it,” he said.
To support the campaign, Nanta has directed the placement of more rubbish bins, stricter enforcement, and fines against offenders.
Over the month-long programme, activities will include school briefings on cleanliness and safety, community gotong-royong, awareness talks, engagement with community leaders, and publicity efforts involving media and local influencers.
A highlight will be the “Adopt an Overhead Pedestrian Bridge” initiative, involving three selected schools whose students will help maintain nearby pedestrian bridges with the support of Pan Borneo Highway Asset Management Sdn Bhd under its CSR programme.
“Starting today, let us make the responsibility of keeping the Pan Borneo Highway clean our shared duty, in line with the MYJalan aspiration — our road, our shared responsibility. Don’t wait for others to begin; start with ourselves,” Nanta urged.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, JKR Sarawak deputy director (Infrastructure) Ir Wisil Lichok. — DayakDaily
