DBKU actively involved in rehabilitation of Sg Bintangor, says Dr Abd Rahman

KUCHING (July 24): Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) is actively involved in the rehabilitation of Sungai Bintangor here, said Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.

He said DBKU’s involvement will focus on enhancing both the river’s beauty and landscape as well as improving the quality of its water.

He also mentioned that the Sungai Bintangor, located in the Kuching City area, has experienced significant changes, including shifts in daily activities of the local residents.

“There was a period when the river was polluted due to development, but it is now in a phase of becoming a clean and quality waterway through various programmes, including DBKU’s river cleanliness campaign,” he added.

He was speaking at the Plogging Walk and Clean Waterway Campaign 2024 at the Jalan Haji Taha parking space today, which was also attended by DBKU Datuk Bandar Hilmy Othman.

As a long-time resident with an office facing Sungai Bintangor, Dr Abdul Rahman said he had witnessed the river’s transformation over the past 30 years.

He commended DBKU for its ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the river, not just environmentally and aesthetically but also in terms of water quality.

As the minister responsible for DBKU, Dr Abdul Rahman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to keep Sungai Bintangor clean through initiatives like the Clean Water Drainage Campaign.

He pointed to the need for cooperation from all parties to enhance the cleanliness of Sungai Bintangor, making it a model for other rivers.

“Maintaining the cleanliness of Sungai Bintangor also helps reduce pollution flowing into the Sarawak River, thereby improving its cleanliness, which is a source of pride for all of us.

“The local community, especially those living along the Sarawak River, including residents of Bintangor Village and surrounding areas, must also work together to keep the river clean.

“There is also a need for strong cooperation between the residential and commercial communities along the river at Jalan Haji Taha,” he said.

On the Plogging Walk, Dr Abdul Rahman said it has been held for several years to instil a sense of responsibility and concern among residents to ensure the city’s cleanliness, as part of a broader initiative involving other municipal councils to maintain Kuching’s status as the cleanest city.

“We hope this programme encourages our citizens to pick up and dispose of litter while they are walking, sightseeing or enjoying themselves,” he added.