Dr Sim stresses year-round commitment to city cleanliness and safety

KUCHING: Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian reminded everyone that maintaining the cleanliness and safety of a city should not be limited to the Cleanliness Month but should be an integral part of our daily lives to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment.

The Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government’s speech was delivered by his deputy, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, at the closing ceremony of the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Cleanliness Month Programme at Batu Kawah Riverbank Park on today (July 30).

“I am delighted to be here and would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Padawan Municipal Council on the successful completion of the programme.

“I understand that MPP has implemented various initiatives, including recycling programmes, environmental sustainability efforts, health education, and a mass vaccination programme to make Padawan a cleaner, healthier and safer place.

“The MPP Cleanliness Month is one of the events supported by the Sarawak government towards making our cities greener and more sustainable for the people of Sarawak.”

Emphasising the importance of adhering to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Tiang praised the efforts of MPP and other local governments in ensuring the cleanliness and wellbeing of Sarawak.

“Cleanliness, health, and safety of a city are of utmost importance for all of us to maintain for ourselves and for future generations,” he added.

He stressed the need for everyone to play a part in maintaining cleanliness and highlighted the impact of pollution caused by human activities.

“Waste that is carelessly discarded will return to us through the soil, water, or air,” he warned.

He also underscored the importance of educating the younger generation on good habits such as personal hygiene, recycling, and not littering. For the older generation or those less aware, he suggested bringing them to awareness campaigns like the ones conducted by MPP.

“I am very proud that MPP has conducted various programmes throughout this cleanliness month that not only generate income for local residents but also raise awareness among the residents of Padawan at all levels.

“I hope this initiative will continue to be a culture practised by every individual in our society,” he said.

During the ceremony, Tiang also awarded prizes to participants who had won the Kuching City Cleanliness Month logo design competition at the MPP level.