MIRI: Sarawak has stepped up its fight against waste and pollution with the launch of the Zero Litter Campaign, an initiative timed to coincide with Hari Cuci Malaysia and World Cleanup Day 2025.
Officiating on behalf of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the campaign signalled not just a cleanup drive but a broader movement towards environmental resilience and sustainable living.
“A litter-free city is not just more attractive; it is safer, more liveable, and more resilient to climate risks like floods and pollution-related diseases,” he told participants at the event.
The campaign, spearheaded by Miri City Council (MCC), drew more than 100 volunteers, including local leaders, community groups, and youth activists.
Among those present were Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad and MCC’s Acting Secretary Abdul Rahman Taupek.
Lee underlined that Sarawak was committed to building a green economy, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social inclusion.
He stressed that sustainability was no longer a passing trend but “a necessity for the future”.
The minister also called for stronger enforcement against illegal dumping, more investment in recycling infrastructure, and greater adoption of circular economy practices that encourage reuse and waste reduction.
“Let us not treat today as just another cleanup day. Instead, let us see it as the launch of a movement – one where each and every one of us takes ownership of the land, the water, and the air we share,” he said.
The campaign’s message dovetails with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to health, sustainable cities, climate action, and global partnerships.
In his remarks, Lee credited local authorities for showing leadership and urged communities, especially the youth, to become “environmental champions” through education, volunteerism and innovation.
Quoting an old adage, he reminded participants: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
The Zero Litter Campaign now stands as a call to action for households, schools, businesses and councils across Sarawak, anchoring the belief that a cleaner environment is a shared responsibility, and the first step towards climate resilience.
