‘Be responsible towards your environment’

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KUCHING: Local residents must shoulder the responsibility of keeping the environment hygienic and clean rather than depend solely on the local councils.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said they ought to work hand-in-hand with the local councils to keep their respective neighbourhood clean.

He made these comments when launching a cleaning campaign at Kampung Sinar Budi Lama in Batu Kawa, here yesterday.

Dr Sim, who is Batu Kawa assemblyman, advised people to practise proper disposal of waste while assuring that Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) would provide more rubbish bins for residents.

He advised the people to bag the waste properly before dumping it into the bins, which should also be covered.

He cautioned that waste not properly disposed of might offer opportunities for stray animals to scavenge the bins for food, thereby posing a risk of disease outbreak.

“Public cooperation is essential towards preserving a clean and hygienic neighbourhood.

“If the people do not cooperate and keep on littering, it will be a never-ending job for the local councils.”

Dr Sim opined that Kampung Sinar Budi Lama, which is situated next to a river, had the potential to draw in visitors.

He told residents there that it would be a shame if visitors refused to tour the area just because of unhygienic environment.

He also noted that the latest rabies victim came from Batu Kawa area and advised the people to be more alert to the deadly disease.

He thus advised the people not to take the present rabies outbreak lightly.

According to Dr Sim, human beings can get infected only through dog bites.

He said individuals who had been bitten by a dog must seek treatment immediately at the Sarawak General Hospital to reduce the risk of the deadly virus reaching the brain.

He also called upon pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated at least once a year as a precaution.