Minister: Consistent, structured programme a must in tackling issue of dirty beaches

MIRI (Feb 23): A consistent, structured programme must be implemented to tackle the issue of dirty beaches and restore Mir’s reputation as a tourism city.

In making this call upon all the relevant agencies including the Miri City Council (MCC), Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin specified on proactive steps in drafting a long-term plan for Marina Beach, a popular site in the city that is now littered with debris and plastic waste washed ashore.

“After closely observing the ‘gotong-royong’ (work party) to clean up the areas affected by the recent floods, I have noted that most of the waste washed up ashore originates from the local residential and commercial zones.

“Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to properly manage the waste that they produce,” said the Senadin assemblyman when officiating at a clean-up programme, at Marina Beach here today.

The ‘gotong-royong’ involved some 300 volunteers representing various agencies including the Resident’s Office, MCC, Miri District Education Office, Sarawak Forest Department, and the Armed Forces.

Recently, Miri City Caring Society (MCCS) had called upon the private and public entities to take action, following rubbish pile-up along Marina Beach.

On the ‘gotong-royong’, Lee stressed that it must not be a short-term initiative that would only be carried once or twice a year.

“Rather, it should be a weekly effort.

“Set a goal to completely clean the beach within a year or two. There is no point in doing it just once or twice. Make it a long-term programme that can create real impact and raise public awareness.”

Also present was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting.