City Hall to implement save energy programme

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KOTA KINABALU: Apart from beautifying the city, Kota Kinabalu City Hall is moving towards another ‘green’ programme – to save energy.

“We have identified some areas in the city which will be lit with energy saving bulbs ….as part of our ‘go green’ programme,” said Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after launching the CEKAP Programme, which stands for cemerlang (excellence), efisyen (efficient), kerjasama (cooperation), amanah (trust) and progresif (progressive) at the City Hall here yesterday, he said the move would also result in savings on utility bills.

On another development, Abidin said discussions are on-going with private companies to build multi-storey car parks in the city.

“We have been receiving complaints from city dwellers regarding the shortage of the car parks, but we have checked and there are not many land or areas available for car parks.

“Our only solution is to build multi-storey car parks and this can only be done through collaboration with private companies. We are in the process of discussion, but we may not be able to build any this time. This thing (project) is not cheap,” he explained.

He, however, disclosed that efforts are being undertaken to meet the city dwellers’ needs.

The mayor disclosed in his speech that the number of students involved in drug abuse is increasing annually and he noted that the number of drug addicts in the city is the highest compared to other major towns in Sabah.

“This matter was highlighted during the state-level council meeting on drug abuse eradication programme held last year and among the factors contributing to the high figure was the population in the city.

“In fact, we have been reading news about women being turned into drug mules by irresponsible people. The death penalty has failed to deter people from taking part in drug smuggling and abuse,” he said.

A total of 94 participants, involving principals, headmasters and teachers, from about 50 schools, took part in the event.

Abidin added that the police force was also invited to deliver talks on drug abuse and its effects on the people, including students.

“We hope that through PEMADAM city branch, we would be able to work closely with all parties, including the police and schools, to get the message across and create awareness on the danger of drug abuse.

“It is our hope that the school managements would also carry out anti-drug abuse programmes at their schools. Because, I believe only through the support and collaboration from various parties, would we be able to curb, if not eradicate, this negativity from affecting our society,” he said.

Meanwhile, City Hall director-general Datuk Yeo Boon Hai expressed satisfaction over the positive response received from the school management.

“We have organised similar programmes for several years and for the first time, we are able to gather the most number of school principals and headmasters together. I am happy with the support and cooperation showed by them,” he said.

Yeo disclosed that the number of students involved in drug abuse may not be alarming, but frequency of their involvement has increased.

“The situation is still under control, but I believe that we need to take a more proactive action to ensure that it does not get worst,” he said.

Yeo added that today’s lifestyle is to be blamed on the increase in the number of drug abusers.

“Parents must monitor their children’s activities and their whereabouts. Make sure they do not mix with the wrong crowd,” he said.