KUCHING: Residents of this city, particularly the youth, are urged to continue supporting local authorities in maintaining the city’s cleanliness and upholding its reputation as the cleanest city.
Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication II (Utility) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the task of keeping the city clean requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including authorities, elders, the younger generation, and even children.
“Therefore, the Kuching North City Commission’s (DBKU) Cleanliness Month program, held annually, aims to bring together all citizens of Kuching, especially those in the Kuching North area, to actively participate in cleanliness and beautification activities organised by the commission.
“As we all know, Kuching City has been recognized as one of the cleanest cities in Malaysia, and we aim to maintain this status,” he stated.
He said this during a press conference after officiating the launch of the 2023 DBKU Cleanliness Month programme, held at the Padang Merdeka compound this morning (July 2).
Abdul Rahman, who is also the Pantai Damai assemblyman, highlighted DBKU’s focus on discouraging littering, particularly the act of throwing rubbish from vehicles.
“DBKU has introduced a ‘plogging’ programme, encouraging people to carry a paper bag for disposing of their trash.
“We also distribute paper bags to vehicles, enabling them to collect and dispose of their rubbish in these bags. Similarly, this programme has been extended to schools,” he explained.
He added that the commission conducts various cleanliness-related programmes on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis, with a particular emphasis on housing and village areas within DBKU’s jurisdiction to maintain cleanliness.
“Furthermore, DBKU has established a special body, known as the Friendly Neighborhood (Kejiranan Mesra or KJM), to foster closer connections between the commission and the local community. Currently, KJM is established in 50 housing or park areas.
“Through the cooperation and programs run by DBKU in collaboration with KJM committees in their respective areas, numerous activities are organised to promote cleanliness and beautification of the villages and housing areas,” he added.
Meanwhile, the 2023 DBKU Cleanliness Month programme is also held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak Independence.
Additionally, the commission organised exhibitions to allow visitors to learn more about DBKU’s services and other implemented programs.
Earlier, the programme attracted visitors who participated in the DBKU Car-Free Morning program, a bi-monthly event held in the first and third weeks of each month.
Among the attendees at the launch was DBKU mayor Junaidi Reduan.
