By Marlynda Meraw and Karen Bong
BINTULU, Aug 18: The public should not be responsible for the cleanliness of the environment simply because of the law or fear of punishment, says Federal Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi today.
To him, the responsibility of keeping the Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) clean should stem from good practices and a dislike of a dirty environment rather than fear of being jailed for littering.
“Our eyes should be averse to seeing a dirty environment. We (Sarawakians) must be responsible (in keeping the LPB clean),” said Nanta during his speech at the “Jum Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-Bait” cleanliness campaign at a P-turn along the Bintulu-Miri road today.
Nanta added that the cleanliness of the environment is a reflection of its people, and it is especially important considering Sarawak is a multiracial State. If it is not clean, he questioned, what will the poor environment translate to and tell others about Sarawak?
He expressed his dismay upon seeing garbage such as plastics, bottles, tyres, food waste, and even mattresses being carelessly discarded by irresponsible individuals, especially at P-turns and overhead pedestrian bridges.
“Surely, we do not want to hear others saying that Sarawak is dirty. Not especially when we have good roads (such as LPB).
“Shouldn’t we feel ashamed? We should be more civilised and adopt a good attitude towards the environment,” said Nanta.
He reminded the public that good roads alone are not enough. If the LPB is polluted with garbage, damaged and becomes unsafe due to neglect, then the true meaning of progress will be lost.
“Don’t wait for others to take action to keep the LPB clean. It must start with us!” he said. —DayakDaily
