ANTI-LITTER CAMPAIGN: Wong (second right) leads by example in making Sibu litter-free joined by (from far left) Chieng, councillor So Teck Kee, Tiong and Lau at Sibu Gateway.
SIBU: Local Government and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh calls for the creation of a social culture that strengthens community spirit and sense of togetherness.
Wong who is also Second Finance Minister said the programme ‘My Beautiful Malaysia Day’ cleaning campaign was a step in that direction.
He urged all-round participation from government agencies and departments, NGOs and the people.
“Let’s create this common social culture that encourages community participation.This working culture can be nurtured among the people of Sibu to make it and Malaysia beautiful not just today but everyday,” Wong said when officiating at the programme at Sibu Gateway here yesterday.
“Together, if we put our heart into our common cause and our common cause in our hearts, our sense of togetherness and community spirit will be much stronger.”
Some 1,500 participants from various government agencies and NGOs took part in the programme organised by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC). The army sent some 100 personnel.
The response was overwhelming with participants in high spirit despite the heavy downpour.
The campaign involved 16 zones starting from Amoy Road and stretching all the way to Brooke Drive.
Participants included SMC chairman and Lanang MP Datuk Tiong Thai King, deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng, secretary Hii Chang Kee, Temenggong Vincent Lau, Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee, Deputy Resident Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah and SMC Market and Petty Traders Standing Committee chairman Councillor Chieng Buong Toon.
Wong said: “If all of us do our part bit by bit, we will be able to make Sibu cleaner and more hygienic. And if every town and everywhere else in the country put in the collective efforts, Malaysia will be beautiful not just today but everyday.”
He said some one million people in particular youths were expected to take part in the programme and ‘gotong-royong’ simultaneously happening across 100 locations in the country.
The programme was geared towards instilling the spirit of volunteerism, especially among youths.