Kota Kinabalu launches clean-up initiative
Published on: Sunday, February 04, 2024
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus
Clean-up activities during the programme around the city.
Kota Kinabalu: City Hall (DBKK) organised the “KK Clean-up Day 1.0: Jalan Jati”, in conjunction with the launch of the “My City, My Responsibility” and the “Clean My Village” Challenge, here, Saturday.
The programme is the first of a series this year, in conjunction with Kota Kinabalu’s 24th anniversary celebration.
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Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said the programme aims to create awareness among entrepreneurs in the city through continuous cleaning campaigns and activities.
“This programme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising Goal 3, prioritising good health and well-being; Goal 6, prioritising clean water and sanitation; Goal 14, creating life in water; and Goal 15, life on land.
“I am very happy to see so many citizens present to give support and hope that, by the end of this programme, it can further develop our awareness to dispose of garbage properly,” he said in his speech at the launch of the programme, attended by 1,000 people. His speech was read out by DBKK Director-General Junainah Abbie.
“This will encourage the implementation of effective, environment-friendly activities, as well as increase cooperation between government agencies, especially City Hall, and all levels of society,” he said.
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah
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The programme commenced on Jalan Jati, covering most of the city centre area, including Gaya Street, Jalan Pantai, Jalan Ewan, Jesselton Point, Kampung Air, Asia City, around Wisma Sabah, Suria Sabah, Segama Complex and Sinsuran Complex.
Sabin said DBKK has undertaken various cleaning efforts, such as cleaning alleys and streets, tree trimming, clearing wild plants in buildings, cleaning ditches, controlling stray animals, landscaping public toilet areas, inspecting building structures, and evaluating restaurants.
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“The programme also includes cleaning in public areas, garbage collection, and publicising the LiLaTin Campaign, which fights against cockroaches, flies, mice, and mosquitoes,” he said.
As part of the effort to combat LiLaTin, City Hall announced that it will purchase rats successfully caught by the public, including residents and premises operators, at RM1 per rat.
“I hereby call for all levels of society to play a role in improving the level of cleanliness in their respective areas while also helping DBKK fight leptospirosis,” said Sabin.
The programme supports the campaign to reduce single-use plastic bags, with biodegradable plastic bags being used for garbage collection activities.
Sabin said Green Buddy, a company dedicated to developing and promoting environmentally friendly products and encouraging green practices through educational programmes to reduce environmental pollution, donated the biodegradable plastic bags.
Government agencies supporting this programme include the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Kota Kinabalu Health Office, State Water Department and the Property Valuation and Services Department (Ministry of Finance).
This programme includes participation from higher education institutions such as Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic, Almacrest International College, North Borneo University College, Cosmopoint College, Cyberjaya College Kota Kinabalu, City University Sabah, ATI College, MSU College Sabah, Yayasan Sabah Technical College, AMC College and Institute Sabah Rays.
Sabin also announced that the City Hall will organise the Awareness Month Campaign “My City, My Responsibility” 1.0 throughout February.
The campaign aims to involve various levels of society, including primary and secondary school levels.
Throughout the campaign, various programmes will be implemented, such as the Household Recycling Competition, MCMR Slogan TikTok Competition, “Treasure Hunt” Challenge, Poster Colouring and Drawing Competition, Cigarette Butt Guessing Competition, Used Clothes Upcycle Competition, Environmental Quiz and Health and Nature Exhibition.
The events for this campaign will be held until March 9.
In conjunction with the 24th Anniversary celebration, the “Kampungku Bersih” Challenge competition at the village level will be officially launched on Feb 3.
Sabin said the challenge aims to create social awareness among villagers through continuous cleaning activities.
The challenge is open to 77 gazetted village areas and private village areas approved by City Hall.
“The criteria for assessment include environmental cleanliness, proper garbage disposal efforts, recycling initiatives, the vibrancy and regularity of the landscape, tourism elements, innovation, and village safety,” he said.
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