KUCHING: Teamwork and environmental stewardship took centre stage at Earth Warriors Day in Taman Rekreasi Taman Kota Padawan Batu 11 yesterday, as residents, community groups, and the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) joined forces for clean-ups, tree planting and recycling drives held in conjunction with the Sept 28 global community clean-up day.
MPP chairman Cr Tan Kai said the council’s “adopt-a-park” programme, supported by Komuniti Rukun Tetangga (KRT) and Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK), has been vital in keeping public spaces clean and safe.
“MPP looks after more than 100 recreational parks, so it’s not easy for us to monitor them all the time.
“With the ‘adopt-a-park’ programme, the community helps us keep an eye on the parks.
“If they see any damage or vandalism, they quickly let our councillors know.”
Tan added that Earth Warriors Day advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting healthy lifestyles (SDG 3) through outdoor activity, sustainable communities (SDG 11) via park care, and partnerships (SDG 17) by uniting residents with local authorities.
He also invited more NGOs to adopt parks and run similar activities with MPP, stressing that the council continues routine maintenance and does not shift responsibilities to the public.
KRT Countrywood and Taman Kota Padawan Batu 11 Kapitan, Wilbert Kho, reminded participants that environmental care must become a daily habit.
“Today’s programme is just symbolic. We should all make it a routine; don’t litter, don’t burn rubbish, and keep recycling.
“If we don’t, pollution will come back to harm us.”
The programme featured coordinated litter picks, tree-planting, and recycling stations, and was organised by the Jong Clan Association of Kuching–Samarahan–Serian, Padawan Kuching Cultural Club, KRT Countrywood, Taman Kota Padawan Batu 11, JKKK Kampung Kuap Cina, and MPP.
