Domestic, industrial waste among factors causing river pollution — Lee
MIRI: Among factors that contribute to river pollution are disposal of domestic and industrial waste as well as upstream activities, state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said.
In view of this, he urged all Mirians and Sarawakians to join efforts in preserving and keeping the rivers clean as well as make river cleanliness their culture.
“My hope is for every member of the community to collaborate closely with the local authorities and relevant agencies in preserving our rivers’ cleanliness.
“They are also urged to immediately report any river pollution to the authority concerned so that preventive and rehabilitative measures can be taken as soon as possible,” he said.
Lee was officiating at the River Awareness, Safety and Cleanliness Campaign at Kampung Masjid in Kuala Baram here Saturday.
The event was organised by Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) with the objective to educate the local community on river cleanliness and safety.
Also present were SRB chairman Murni Suhaili and Kampung Masjid community leader KK Yusree Zainuzzaman.
According to Lee, knowledge on river transport safety is just as vital as no one can foresee what may happen in the future, thus it is important to know how to keep safe while using river transport.
“The programme organised by Sarawak Rivers Board today is an ongoing initiative by the state government to educate the public on the issue,” he said.
He added that the targeted group were members of the public in Kuala Baram and numerous programmes were organised to involve them, such as work parties, children colouring competition and talks by SRB, Miri Health Department and Miri City Council.
The event also witnessed the presentation of life jackets to ‘Friends of Rivers’ in Kampung Masjid, Kuala Baram.