Azam’s beach clean-up signifies importance of eco-protection

KUCHING (Oct 27): The ‘Anak Pantey’ programme at Pasir Pandak here yesterday gathered a total of 103 participants including local residents and members of various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Organised by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) via its ‘AzamYoung Souls’ (AYS) movement, the beach clean-up initiative was meant to raise awareness among the local community of the importance of environmental protection.

In closing the activity, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said the community must recognise the importance of preserving the beaches and maintaining their cleanliness and the surroundings.

According to the Pantai Damai assemblyman, the efforts to preserve and conserve the environment are not solely the responsibility of the government.

“All parties including local communities, youths, the NGOs and the private sector must play their respective roles in fostering that sense of responsibility and raising awareness of the need to protect the environment.

“As residents living near a coastal area, we have the potential to turn our community into a tourist destination that can attract local and international visitors, especially with Sarawak’s plan of developing the ART (Autonomous Rapid Transit) network,” he said.

Moreover, Dr Rahman extended his appreciation to Azam for organising the programme.

“We hope to see more collaborations between Azam and the Pantai Damai community in the future,” he added.

Meanwhile, Azam Sarawak chief executive officer Ali Suhaili said the programme was meant to educate the community about environmental preservation and the prevention of pollution, for the well-being of current and future generations.

“Azam Sarawak places great importance on environmental sustainability as part of our focus on sustainable development.

“We believe that a ‘green culture’ and sustainable practices are essential foundations towards ensuring the well-being of future generations, while also supporting the state’s agenda for a cleaner and greener development trajectory.”

The programme was conducted in collaboration with several key agencies including Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), which emphasised sustainable urban management through public cleanliness; the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, which highlighted the role of youths in promoting environmental awareness; the Natural Resources and Environment Board, which provided guidance on Sarawak’s environmental protection laws; Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, which focused on responsible waste management and ethical disposal of waste; and Sarawak Metro, which shared with the participants the insights into eco-friendly public transportation initiatives as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions in Sarawak’s urban areas.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, Azam Sarawak pledged to continue empowering communities and supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.

“Through its various programmes, Azam remains committed to sharing knowledge and information with the public about the importance of protecting the environment, while ensuring that Sarawak’s development would align with inclusive sustainability principles for the well-being of future generations and the preservation of our natural heritage,” said the organisation in a statement.