KUCHING – A community clean-up initiative at Batu Kawah Riverbank Park and Batu Kawa Old Street on 14 June 2026 saw strong participation from local volunteers, reflecting growing public commitment to environmental sustainability.
The activity involved 50 volunteers from ASEZ and 17 members of ASCATS, the i-CATS Environment Club. Together, they collected a wide range of waste, including bulky items such as mattresses and television sets, which had been irresponsibly discarded in public spaces.
Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman Cr Tan Kai commended both organisations for their dedication to maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Speaking during the certificate presentation ceremony, he stressed that environmental protection requires collective responsibility.
“Maintaining a clean environment cannot rely solely on the Council. Public cooperation is equally important,” he said.
Cr Tan Kai reminded residents that the Council provides Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) bins during major festive seasons to facilitate the proper disposal of bulky household waste.
He urged the public not to dump unwanted items at undesignated locations, as this undermines cleanliness and harms the environment.
The clean-up initiative highlighted the importance of collaboration between local authorities, community groups and educational institutions.
MPP has welcomed partnerships with private organisations, NGOs and schools to organise programmes that benefit the Padawan community and promote sustainable practices.
Environmental sustainability has become a growing priority in Sarawak, with local councils encouraging greater public participation in waste management and conservation efforts.
Initiatives such as the Batu Kawah clean-up not only improve the physical environment but also raise awareness about responsible waste disposal and the importance of community involvement.
The event demonstrated how grassroots efforts can complement municipal services, creating a cleaner and safer environment for residents.
By engaging young volunteers and student groups, the programme also instilled values of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship among the next generation.
As Sarawak continues to balance development with sustainability, activities like these serve as reminders that community cooperation is essential in building a healthier and more resilient environment.
