300 take part in Cleanliness with Family program
SANDAKAN: Some 300 staff from various government agencies, departments and members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) took part in the Cleanliness with Family programme held at Singapore Road, in the town centre here, yesterday.
The programme was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and People’s Well-being and Sandakan Municipal Council (SMC).
Minister of Health and People’s Well-being, Stephen Wong Tien Fatt, said the Government cares about the well-being of the people, thus had taken measures to curb the spread of diseases caused by pests.
“I have, therefore, come up with the idea for this gotongroyong, which is only the first step to many more programmes that aim to keep Sandakan clean. My aim is for Sandakan to be the cleanest city in Sabah.
“Through the involvement of the local authority and other related Government agencies and NGOs, this programme aims to increase awareness amongst the locals on the importance to keep their surroundings clean in order to create a healthy environment for them and their family.
“Furthermore, programmes such as this not only increase awareness about the importance to preserve the environment, but also strengthen the relationship between the residents and the Government agencies personnel,” he said, adding that he hopes the programme would make the locals, especially in the Singapore road area to keep the town clean.
Meanwhile, SMC president Datuk Peter Hii Chang Lik said that as the local council chief, he is aware that the cleanliness aspect of the town is very important and needs to be given serious attention.
“Hence, SMC is putting on efforts to ensure the cleanliness of Sandakan town. I hope all the participants who are present today will think positive and be pro-active in keeping their surroundings clean. It actually starts with ourselves and our closest family to be aware of our cleanliness and hygiene before our next generation could follow our steps,” he said.
Also present during the programme were Sandakan police chief, ACP Mohd Azhar Hamin, Elopura assemblyman, Calvin Chong, Karamunting assemblyman, George Hiew, Duchess of Kent Hospital (DOKH) director, Dr. Francis Paul, and other local leaders.