SELANGAU (Oct 27): The Ulu Arip Residents' Association held a gotong-royong programme to clean and beautify the Pan Borneo Highway near Sungai Arip in Selangau recently.
The initiative aimed to promote greater public awareness of the importance of keeping public areas clean and ensuring the safety of all road users.
Around 80 participants, including several longhouse chiefs from neighbouring communities, joined the cleanup effort, with Penghulu Lasit Bajieng present to lend his support and encouragement.
Ulu Arip Residents' Association chairman Ngelambong Baring, who coordinated the programme, said such activities go beyond physical cleanliness as they also foster stronger bonds within the community.
"This gotong-royong reflects our shared sense of duty to protect and care for our environment.
"When we work together, we not only create a cleaner, safer space but also nurture the spirit of cooperation that defines our community," he said.
During the programme, volunteers successfully cleaned eight P-turn areas and three bus stops in the area.
The programme follows in the footsteps of social movement #CleanUpPanBorneo started by Bau resident Tracey Hughes against chronic littering on the Pan Borneo Highway.
The initiative, which has gained strong traction across Sarawak, has also received praise from Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Members of the public have been participating in the initiative at P-turns and bus stops in several districts across Sarawak, including Saratok, Debak, Balai Ringin, Betong, and Meradong.