BINTULU: The month-long Pan Borneo Sarawak ‘Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-Bait’ Cleanliness Campaign has been launched to encourage the public to take collective responsibility in maintaining the highway.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the campaign was not merely a slogan but a genuine reminder to all Sarawakians that Pan Borneo belongs to the people, not just the government.
“The main objective is to raise awareness among road users and nearby communities to be more responsible in safeguarding this national asset.
“Pan Borneo will continue to be a source of pride if it remains clean, comfortable, and safe – free from rubbish, pleasant for travel, and secure for everyone.
“This is our shared responsibility, as the highway reflects the image of our state’s infrastructure,” he said when officiating at the campaign at P-Turn, Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak, Bintulu-Miri here today.
Nanta, who is also Kapit Member of Parliament, expressed disappointment over irresponsible behaviour by some individuals who discard plastic, bottles, tyres, food waste, and even mattresses, especially at P-turn areas and overhead pedestrian bridges.
He stressed such actions mar the scenery, cause unpleasant odours, disrupt public comfort, and endanger other road users.
“Imagine foreign tourists driving along Pan Borneo and witnessing such conditions. What impression would they have of Sarawak and its people? Do we want to be remembered as a state with modern highways but dirty surroundings?” he asked.
Throughout the campaign, various activities will be carried out, including safety and cleanliness talks at schools near the highway, engagement sessions with community leaders, awareness videos with local media and influencers, publicity via mainstream and social media, as well as radio and TV interviews.
The initiative also includes the ‘Overhead Pedestrian Bridge (OPB) Angkat’ programme, where three selected schools will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of nearby pedestrian bridges with support from Pan Borneo Highway Asset Management Sdn Bhd through its corporate social responsibility programme.
“I want this highway to stand as proof that Sarawakians not only welcome development but also know how to care for and appreciate it.
“A good road alone is not enough. If Pan Borneo is littered with rubbish, damaged by negligence, or unsafe due to disregard, then the true meaning of progress will be lost,” he added.
