By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Nov 22: A ‘Love Our River’ campaign was launched here yesterday to create awareness among the people, especially those living along riverbanks, to love rivers and the surrounding environment.
It is a joint initiative of Miri City Council (MCC), Department of Environment (DOE), Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB) JCI (Riam, Lutong and Miri), village community management (MPKK), Miri Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and State Health Department.
The first location for this pioneer project is Kampung Wireless. Kampung Wireless hosts 187 households and is located next to the Miri Waterfront new seahorse statue landmark, which has become a tourist attraction.
Mayor Adam Yii explained that this long-term project formed part of a joint effort to protect rivers and the environment, in general.
For this campaign, the council would provide the necessary facilities, such as bins, and promotional items.
He urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs)to participate in the campaign.
“They can either propose to us (MCC) the locations that they are interested to do for the campaign or we (MCC) can assign them the locations,” said Yii.
Among the activities that will be held during the campaign period are a riverine adoption programme (starting this Saturday), ‘Love our River’ seminars, conferences and road shows.
Yii believed the effort would be a success like those in Melaka and Singapore.
“We want to emulate Melaka’s and Singapore’s successful rehabilitation and cleaning campaigns. It turned out to be successful campaigns for them, and they can now have river cruises and become tourist attractions,” said Yii. — DayakDaily
