KAPIT: Maintaining a clean environment must be a shared commitment among rural communities to ensure public health, overall well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law and Native Customs) and Bukit Goram Assemblyman, Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, stressed that cleanliness is not solely an individual obligation but one that demands collective participation from the entire community.

“The community must stop the practice of dumping rubbish into rivers. It not only pollutes the environment but also affects the quality of life and health of the people,” he said.

He made the remarks while officiating the Community Development Programme: Environmental Cleanliness is a Shared Responsibility, organised by the Kapit District Council, held at Rumah Kenyalang, Nanga Sengkeranji, Sungai Menuan, on Saturday.

Datuk Jefferson Jamit further emphasised that efforts to empower rural communities through development programmes can only be achieved through close collaboration between local authorities, community leaders, and residents.

He also called on village chiefs and longhouse leaders to play an active role in spreading awareness and supporting the continuity of community development initiatives.

In a related development, he announced that RM12 million has been allocated for road repair works in the Menuan area.

He added that the ferry project to Menuan has also received approval from the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, which is expected to significantly improve rural mobility and transport connectivity.

Additionally, plans are in place for the construction of a secondary school (SMK) and the expansion of the local hospital, aimed at strengthening educational and healthcare facilities for the local population.

The event also included the presentation of community development contributions, including RM10,000 to Rumah Kenyalang, RM5,000 to SK Lepong Menuan, and RM5,000 each to 15 longhouses in the Sungai Menuan area.

Among those present were Kapit District Officer, Cerisologo Sabut, Deputy Chairman of the Kapit District Council, Councillor Martin Bilun, and Acting Secretary of the Kapit District Council, Opang Malay. -UKASnews