MIRI – More than 150 individuals from some 14 organisations assembled on Sunday for the “Love the Beach, Love Miri” (also known as Sayangi Pantai, Sayangi Miri) Beach Cleaning Campaign 2.0, hosted at Brighton Beach. Their efforts yielded over 2,121 kg of waste within two hours, underscoring a communal commitment to environmental upkeep and coastal sustainability.
The closing ceremony was presided over by Kr. Ariffin Mohamad, Deputy Mayor of Miri, who acted on behalf of Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang. Also in attendance were Chai Chon Chin, President of the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA); Andy Jong, Chair of the organising committee; and Councillor Jamil Bujang, Chair of the Miri City Council’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Committee.
In his remarks, Chai expressed gratitude to all volunteers and stakeholders, emphasising that “journalists are not only observers but also convey messages and promote social change.” He added:
“Protecting the environment is not just a slogan but a way of life. Today, we are not only cleaning the beach, but also doing our utmost to keep the environment clean for future generations.”
Chai also extended thanks to sponsoring entities, including Tong Seng Huat Rice Trading, Liansin Trading, Regal Market & Trading, The Twin Brothers Patisserie, Sarawak Oil Palm Berhad, and Very Mart for supporting the campaign.
During the event, Deputy Mayor Kr. Ariffin praised the dedication of the volunteers and the organisations involved, stating:
“Miri is blessed with beautiful beaches. Through activities like this, we not only clean up the beaches but also raise awareness among the public about the importance of protecting the environment.”
He further encouraged schools, youth groups and families to engage in similar initiatives to foster an early appreciation of environmental stewardship.
This campaign aligns with NSJA’s ongoing environmental advocacy. Earlier in the year, NSJA received a government grant to support its beach cleaning initiatives, reinforcing the association’s dedication to promoting environmental awareness and public participation.
Looking ahead, NSJA plans to continue collaborating with local councils, NGOs and communities to sustain such efforts.