2 days ago
Pan Borneo Highway a shared asset, minister reminds fellow Sarawakians
Members of the local community take part in a clean-up party.
BINTULU (Aug 19): The multi-billion ringgit Pan Borneo Highway project, funded by the government and meant to be enjoyed toll-free by Sarawakians, must be safeguarded as a shared asset.
In giving this reminder, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi regarded the development as 'more than just a highway'.
'It is the backbone of development, the link between towns and the rural areas, and the bridge that unites our people.
'It opens doors to jobs, education, healthcare and economic growth.
'In Peninsular Malaysia, people pay tolls to use the highways, but here in Sarawak, we enjoy it toll-free.
'This is a huge blessing, but it also means that we carry a greater responsibility of taking care of it,' he said this in officiating at the launch of 'Jum Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-bait' campaign, at a P-turn section of the Pan Borneo Highway here yesterday.
Having said this, the Kapit MP also expressed disappointment over irresponsible littering along certain stretches of the highway, particularly at the P-turns and pedestrian bridges, where discarded plastics, bottles, tyres, food waste and even mattresses had been found.
Nanta (second left) met by reporters after launching the campaign.
'This is very sad. Littering not only spoils the view and creates bad smell, but also threatens road safety.
'We must be honest with ourselves – throwing rubbish everywhere is not just against the law, it shows a lack of discipline.
'If we don't take care of Sarawak, who will?'
He also pointed out cleanliness as 'being a reflection of the image of Sarawak to outsiders'.
'Imagine the foreign tourists passing the Pan Borneo and seeing rubbish scattered along the road.
'What impression would they have of us?
'Do we want to be known as a state with modern highways, but with dirty surroundings?'
In this regard, he said the 'Jum Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-bait' campaign comprised various initiatives including 'gotong-royong' (work party), awareness talks, programmes at schools, engagements with community leaders, and also media outreach.
'Among them is the 'Jejantas Angkat' programme, which involves three schools adopting their respective nearby pedestrian bridges, where they would maintain the cleanliness with support from Pan Borneo Highway Asset Management Sdn Bhd, under its CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative.'
Nanta also said more rubbish bins would be provided along the highway but in this regard, he also warned the public about stricter enforcement and fines to be imposed upon those found to be dumping rubbish indiscriminately.
'We will continue with education and awareness, but certain firmness is also necessary.
'Only then will our message be effective,' he added. alexander nanta linggi clean-up programme litter pan borneo highway
