Roland Sagah Wee Inn
KUCHING: The problem of rubbish in the Tabuan River as reported in the media recently is not a new issue, said the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) in a press statement yesterday.
The board said initiatives and educational programmes have been implemented to combat the problem on a continuous basis.
SRB chairman Roland Sagah Wee Inn emphasised that cooperation between government bodies, non-governmental organisations and members of the public must be stepped up.
“SRB will always extend our assistance and cooperation to handle such issues from time to time. The responsibility is not only limited to the government bodies that are directly involved as it needs the support and involvement from everyone,” he said.
He pointed out that Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament Chong Chieng Jen should request for allocation from the federal government to clean up Tabuan River, as the area has been represented by the Democratic Action Party (DAP) for many years.
“They should deliver what they promised and not just play with politics with no care or sincerity towards the rakyat,” said Sagah.
He noted that the problem with the Tabuan River is due to domestic waste from the nearby villages and housing areas.
“Therefore, the involvement of the local community to clean up the river is much needed and at the same time, there is need for a change of attitude so that people will not treat the river as their dumping ground,” he said.