Responsibility falls upon all to make Miri a clean, beautiful city — Lee

MIRI: The cleanliness and beautification of this city is the responsibility of not just the local authority, but also all the citizens.

In this regard, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin believes that it is not right to solely place the responsibilities of maintaining the cleanliness and keeping vandalism at bay to Miri City Council (MCC).

“We have to foster in the city folk that spirit of ownership and sense of belonging for all public amenities and facilities. We need cooperation from the public to keep them (facilities) clean as part of our effort in supporting the ‘Go Green’ initiatives,” he spoke at the closing of ‘Taste of Borneo Carnival 2017’ on Boulevard Mall’s open parking compound here on Sunday.

Lee, who is Senadin assemblyman, said Miri as a resort city has many beautiful places and in this respect, it is the responsibility of all city folk to ensure that these places are always in its best condition.

“Cleanliness should no longer be an issue here. People should always ensure that cleanliness is at its best level with proper waste management, including the beaches.

“We have to shoulder this responsibility together and not place it totally on MCC,” said Lee.

On the festival, Lee saw it as being a great platform to showcase racial unity.

“Sarawak is a model for racial unity in Malaysia. Each ethnic association across the state have to play their roles in promoting their cultures.

“For example, the Chinese associations should strive to attract more tourists from China to Sarawak as this would also help boost the state’s tourism industry.”

The highlight of the festival was the Miss Eco Costume 2017 pageant, where participants – grown-ups and children alike – sashayed down the runway in costumes made from recycled materials.

Nicole Toh won the children’s category, with Ivy Wong and Jensen Yong as respective first and second runners-up.

Iris Wong took the crown in the grown-up category, with Soon Hoon and Vivian Voon placing respective second and third.

Sarawak Chinese Association president Ting Pang Soon and carnival organising chairman Harry Lee were also present at the closing ceremony.