By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Sept 27: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) today rallied to set a new Malaysia Book of Records milestone with 100,000 participants nationwide taking part in simultaneous clean-up activities.
The Pembersihan Mega Seluruh Negara–Hari Cuci Malaysia, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), was held in conjunction with World Clean-Up Day 2025.
Some 500 participants from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Kuching Air Base; hawkers of Jubilee Ground Hawker Centre; residents in KMC flats, Kampung Lumba Kuda and Jalan Mendu vicinity; students and teachers from SMK Lumba Kuda, SK Lumba Kuda, St. Joseph Private School, SJK (C) Chung Hua No.3 and SK Bintawa; MBKS staff and local volunteers took part in the early morning event.
The clean-up covered major areas such as Kampung Lumba Kuda, Jalan Mendu, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Petanak, Jalan Blacksmith, Jalan Central Timur and Jalan Abg Abdul Rahim.
The national initiative aims to combat mismanaged waste, close illegal dumpsites, encourage recycling practices, raise awareness on reducing single-use plastics, and promote overall cleanliness in public areas and neighbourhoods.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, commended all participants who came together under the spirit of ‘gotong-royong’, which reflects the commitment of the entire community in maintaining environmental sustainability in Kuching city.
He stressed that the cleanliness issue must never be taken lightly or relied solely upon local authorities.
“The problem stems from ourselves because there are people who simply throw garbage anywhere and everywhere or leave food waste in public places and expect cleaning workers to take responsibility.
“This attitude and mindset must change. Make cleanliness a lifestyle, not just a seasonal campaign for show,” Dr Sim said.
He also called on the community to emulate good practices in developed countries such as Japan when it comes to maintaining cleanliness in public spaces with discipline.
Small steps such as bringing one’s own garbage home, throwing garbage in bins provided, separating waste and cultivating a culture of recycling can have a big impact on environmental sustainability.
“Our actions today in ensuring that the earth is clean are the most valuable gift not only for better health but also for our future generations,” Dr Sim said, adding that he is confident in the various efforts to instill cleanliness practices and culture as part of Malaysians’ lifestyle. — DayakDaily
