KUCHING: Tasik Biru assemblyman, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, has urged riverine tour operators across Bau district to intensify their commitment to maintaining river cleanliness and ensuring maximum safety for visitors, especially with the rise of eco-tourism activities in areas such as Adis, Segong, Singgai and other nearby communities.
Speaking at the River Cleanliness and Safety Awareness programme closing ceremony at Adis Tiporang here today, the Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Riverine and Marine) emphasised that Bau’s rivers, including Sungai Adis, are not just natural resources but vital tourism assets that contribute to the livelihood of many local families.
He stressed that the growth of river-based tourism, including kayaking, rafting, tubing, sightseeing cruises, and cultural activities, must go hand-in-hand with strong environmental responsibility.
According to Jinep, river pollution as a whole poses a real threat to eco-tourism potential.
“Littering, improper waste disposal, and sedimentation caused by irresponsible human activities can quickly degrade the water quality, damage aquatic ecosystems and reduce the attractiveness of the rivers.
“Clean rivers reflect who we are as a community. They are the first impression tourists get when they visit our villages. Keeping them clean is not just about beauty; it is about pride, sustainability and respect for nature,” he said.
Jinep believed that Sungai Adis is not just a watercourse, but an identity of the river area.
He noted that the river has long been a gathering place for the community, a location for family recreation, and a source of income through rural tourism.
He pointed out that with the availability of popular recreational locations, such as Adis Tiporang, Adis Buan, Adais GS Resort, and Subee Homestay, Sungai Adis is a great tourist attraction and recreational location.
“However, this kind of development brings its own challenges. Fallen trees, bamboo groves that block the flow, floating garbage, and unmanaged waste disposal can affect the safety of visitors, pollute the river, and reduce the attractiveness of recreational areas.
“Therefore, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the river requires collective responsibility of the local people and the homestay or resort operators in the area,” he said.
Henry said the programme in Adis reinforce the awareness that the river is the lifeblood of lives, a source of water, a place for recreation, and the cultural and economic identity of local communities.
He reminded that all, regardless of background, share the responsibility of protecting Sungai Adis for future generations.
“The responsibility for river cleanliness in Adis and in Bau as a whole does not lie solely with the government or local councils but must be shared among tour operators, local villagers, youth volunteers, and visitors themselves.
“Collaborations between community groups, schools and NGOs, have shown encouraging results in river clean-up programmes organised by Sarawak Rivers Boad (SRB) statewide,” he said.
Jinep encouraged more long-term community-led initiatives, including monthly clean-up schedules, waste-management awareness campaigns, and the installation of designated rubbish collection points along riverbanks, to be organised to maintain Sungai Adis cleanliness.
Addressing safety, the assemblyman highlighted that operators must never compromise on proper safety protocols, especially during the monsoon season when water levels can rise rapidly.
He reminded operators to ensure that all equipment, such as kayaks, rafts, tubes and life jackets, are in good, safe condition.
“Safety briefings must be provided before any river activity, particularly for tourists who may be unfamiliar with local river conditions,” he said.
He also encouraged operators to undergo certified safety training, including basic life-saving skills and first aid response.
“I am happy to witness the distribution of lifebuoys to homestay and resort operators here. This step ensures that recreational premises are better prepared, comply with safety standards, and protect visitors,” he said.
At the event, Jinep also released 2,000 fish fries into Sungai Adis as an effort to conserve the biodiversity and the river ecosystem.
He thanked SRB and the Bau District Council for their joint effort in successfully organising the event, saying this kind of programme benefit the environment, increase community awareness and strengthen the role of the community in maintaining river sustainability.
“River cleanliness is not only an environmental issue but also contributes to the development of the rural tourism industry, social well-being, and economic opportunities for local communities,” he said.
Also present was SRB Controller, Lt Col. (Rtd) Ding Tiew Wong; Bau District Officer, Eddy Nawoi; SRB board member, Gilbert Rusin; and representative from the Ministry of Transport, Constantine Gerald David.
