Public amenities: Emulate the Japanese – Awg Tengah
LAWAS: Sarawakians should emulate the civic-mindedness of the Japanese in looking after public amenities.
Such spirit remained to be practised despite advances in Japan’s economy and technology, making the country a progressive nation.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan expressed this view when officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony of the RM7-million Lawas Tamu project and second phase of the RM10-million Lawas Waterfront project yesterday.
“Tokyo with a population of over 10 million is so clean but you can hardly find a rubbish bin in public, and we should emulate such spirit in taking care of our place,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development and Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources, said it is imperative that the authorities and the people work together to maintain cleanliness and beauty of the town besides giving a sense of security to attract visitors.
“Cleanliness and tidiness should be our culture and we should have the right attitude in taking pride of our own place like the Japanese do,” he advised.
The projects are part of the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and facilities in stages in Lawas for recreational and traditional activities and for the convenience of visitors.
The Tamu is a trading place for communities from the highlands of Ba Kelalan to the coastal villages in Lawas district to sell their produce and handicraft products.
He said the state government is encouraging entrepreneurs to tap into the economic opportunities in Lawas through the establishment of the Tamu and Lawas Waterfront.