KUCHING, Aug 3: Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) is working with the Faculty of Language and Communication of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to end illegal and indiscriminate dumping in Kota Samarahan as it is an eyesore to sustainable city development.
MPKS chairman Dato Peter Minos emphasised that there is a need for a change of mindset among the residents, especially on proper waste disposal and management, in order to instill a lasting culture of cleanliness, where keeping Kota Samarahan clean is an integral part of people’s lives.
“It is entirely up to the people themselves whether they want Samarahan to be a clean or dirty place.
“People must be responsible for their waste and refuse. It cannot be left to MPKS alone to upkeep the cleanliness of the urban environment,” he said in a statement today.
As MPKS strives to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, Minos pointed out that a “war” is needed to fight against illegal and indiscriminate dumping of refuse and rubbish on roads, drains, streams and open spaces in Kota Samarahan.
“The culprits must see with their own eyes the environmental nuisance they have created,” he added.
On the MPKS-Unimas collaboration, Minos explained that the focus will be on education to change people’s attitude and mentality on proper waste disposal and management.
“It will be buttressed by physical actions through activities like gotong-royong and public talks to raise awareness about cleanliness and hygiene which will be organised by MPKS while Unimas will assist with getting student volunteers,” he said.
MPKS also plans to rope in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in this cleanliness campaign as Minos viewed that the strategic partnership between local government and higher learning institutions is a positive step to make a difference.
“Once the clean culture is embedded in people’s mind and practised on a daily basis, it will be easier for the town to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness, to be clean, safe and green, free from waste and rubbish. It will help us to attain SGDs as well,” he added. — DayakDaily
