STA’s Ling (third left) presenting the RM50,000 cheque to Lai for MCC’s tree-planting project.
MIRI: The Miri City Council (MCC), through its ‘Green City Initiative, has received a RM50,000-boost from Sarawak Timber Association (STA) for its tree-planting project.
STA permanent council member Ling Chiong Sing said the contribution was part of the association’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“This is to assist Miri City towards its vision of becoming the ‘Most Liveable Resort City’. It is also to promote the awareness and importance of conserving the environment,” he said after the presentation of the cheque to Mayor Lawrence Lai here recently.
STA had previously made two similar financial contributions to MCC; one in 2010 for planting threes along Jalan Piasau, and another in 2012 for planting trees along Jalan Datuk Edward Jeli here.
The presentation yesterday was also attended by STA council member Alvin Yii Heng Kee and Councillor Ernest Goh.
Meanwhile, Lai said the contribution from STA would be channelled solely into tree-planting projects throughout the city.
“From the initial 1,000, the number of trees planted every year has increased to 5,000 – thanks to the efforts and contributions by all parties, especially STA which has come up with a ‘handsome’ amount,” the mayor said.
“With more trees being planted, we can cover more areas in Miri. Gradually, we should be able to transform Miri into a truly ‘Green City’.”
On another development, Lai said the MCC had also received a boost from the federal government for its Pujut 7-Kuala Baram landscape project.
“Recently, we received a federal grant of RM1 million through the Public Works Department (JKR) for the landscaping project along the 13km stretch. For now, the view is still rather ‘empty’ for travellers, especially those from Brunei, but it won’t be long before they could enjoy a lush scenery of trees and flowers once the project is completed,” he said, adding that the landscaping works had commenced.
Meanwhile, Lai said Miri’s target of becoming a ‘Green Resort City’ would not only focus on enhancing the environment, but also reinforcing the security.
On this, he said works to complete the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at 20 strategic points across the city were ongoing.
“We hope that through the setup of CCTV cameras at these points – some of which are crime-prone areas, it would give a sense of safety and security not only to the locals, but also to visitors. Once all of them are ready, the police will be monitoring the cameras 24/7,” he said.