SIBURAN: Rivers are not just a source of water, but the lifeblood of rural communities that need to be collectively preserved by all levels of society.
Sarawak's Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that rivers in Sarawak will continue to be the historical, economic and cultural core of rural communities, even as the state moves into an era of progress.
“Rivers are not just a source of water because they are the centre of life, transportation, sustenance and the historical heritage of our community since the time of our ancestors.
“We can no longer rely entirely on government agencies and I call on all parties, whether individuals, families and organisations, to all play a role in keeping the rivers clean,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the Village River Cleanliness and Landscape Competition, here, on Saturday.
This competition is being organised simultaneously with the 2025 World Rivers Day Celebration at the Sarawak level, which according to Dato Sri Roland Sagah is a great honour for his constituency in the Tarat State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
The Champion of the Village River Cleanliness and Landscape Competition was won by the Kampung Stabut Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), while the Runner-up was the Kampung Simpok JKKK.
Third Place was won by the Kampung Senah Rayang JKKK, while the Special Award was given to the Kampung Pesang JKKK in recognition of their continuous efforts in preserving the river and village landscape.
Also present were the Political Secretary To Sarawak Premier, Damen Rejek, Sarawak Rivers Authority (LSS) Controller Lt. Col (Retd) Ding Tiew Wong, Siburan District Officer Ranum Bari, Sarawak Ministry of Transport Permanent Secretary Rudy Beltran Paris and Serian Division Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) Division Engineer Bartholemew Emily Ayu. -UKASnews
