Masidi: Anti-litter river protection awareness campaigns targeting schools
KOTA KINABALU: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry is planning to mount a joint river protection and anti-litter awareness campaign targeting schools along four major rivers flowing through the state capital – some suffering due to heavy pollution.
Spearheading an initiative for enhancing education on the importance of protecting rivers, its Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun highlighted the ministry is prepared to provide special allocation to implement river awareness campaigns for schools near the city’s main rivers including Darau, Inanam, Menggatal and Likas.
“Regrettably, rivers are facing growing pressures due to rampant pollution and exploitation which underlined the need to promote greater awareness, especially for the younger generation and communities living along river systems, “he said, after launching the state-level Malaysian Environmental Week (MASM) yesterday at the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre (KKCW).
“Unless we change our attitude, the problem of river pollution is bound to continue and the best way to start is by educating the younger generation and we will be working with schools which will play a vital role in educating the public and themselves on river conservation, “he said.
Speaking at a press conference, Masidi noted the ministry will also consider extending assistance and allocation to other schools outside the campaign’s target zone, which demonstrated their commitment in environmental and river conservation activities.
Earlier during his speech, he lamented the deteriorating condition of rivers were caused mainly by the irresponsible attitudes of mainly riverine communities who throw their rubbish indiscriminately into rivers which find their way to sea.
“Much of the garbage are eventually pushed back by waves and end up scattered all along the beachfront along Likas Bay during high tide, contributing to the unsightly, dirty and sorry condition of our beaches, ‘said Masidi, underlining the importance for greater cooperation at all levels across government, community and schools to tackle the root cause of the problem
“Healthy rivers are crucial lifelines which support a rich variety of life, communities and economy, therefore it’s vitally important that we work together towards developing a beneficial anti-littering habit for future generations to enjoy a better standard of life, “he told over 150 students, teachers and volunteers who attended the programme yesterday.
Meanwhile, President of Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society(SWCS), Datuk Hj Zainie Abdul Aucasa noted the much-awaited Ramsar accreditation for KKCW is entering the final phase involving uploading data into the system. “ A Ramsar officer from Switzerland will be visiting the centre to carry out a training programme and brief staff as well as related governmental agencies on uploading data into the system, “he said, and expressed hope the training programme will be completed by this November.
Jointly organised by the SWCS in collaboration with the Department of Environment Sabah and Sabah Environment Protection Department and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA-SDBEC), the programme aims to increase environmental awareness and cooperation among members of the public.
During the event, Masidi accompanied by Chief Advisor of JICA-SDBEC Mr Kazunobu Suzuki and Director of Environmental Protection Department, Datuk Yabi Yangkat and Director of Sabah Environment Department, Datin Hajah Hanili Ghazali joined a tour around the KKCW wetland reserve together with secondary school students.
Describing the KKCW as a significant step in the right direction, Masidi lauded the SWCS for its relentless efforts in its initiative towards conservation of wetlands in Sabah, especially mangrove forests situated right in the heart of the state capital.
”Apart from Tokyo, Kota Kinabalu is one of the only cities in Asia with a wetland reserve in the middle of the city and this is undoubtedly unique as it reflects our attitude and commitment to designate a part of the city for the environment, “he said.
Furthermore, Masidi noted the KKCW which consists of 60 hectares of flourishing mangrove forest is home to a dazzling array of wildlife, including 90 species of resident and migratory birds which is an impressive achievement. “This is clearly an remarkable achievement and hopefully this centre can continue being an lasting inspiration for conservation of mangrove ecosystems and protection of the environment,” he said.
Source: New Sabah Times
