Sarawak Economic Development Corporation

KUCHING : Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) held the ‘Majlis Sekalung Budi’ with the theme ‘Towards A Safe, Clean and Comfortable Waterfront” at Crowne Plaza Riverside Kuching yesterday.

The event was organised in appreciation for seven agencies and departments which had assisted and contributed towards making Kuching Waterfront a safe and peaceful place with a hive of interesting and attractive activities.

The organisations involved were the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Islamic Religious Department Sarawak (JAIS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia Sarawak (RELA), the Ministry Of Urban Development and Tourism (MUDT), Markas 3 Brigade Infantry (3 Brigade), and the Department of Culture and Arts Sarawak Branch (JKKNS).

At the event, Datuk Haji Talib Zulpilip, the SEDC Chairman declared the Kuching Waterfront to be free from “hooligans, litterbugs and criminal activities.”

“We want parents (with teenagers and young adults aged not more than 25 years old who frequent the Kuching Waterfront) to tell their children not to litter, sniff glue and take drugs there,” said Zulpilip.

The philosophy, Zulpilip added, was “not to let the Waterfront run down as it is one of our most recognisable landmark and attraction”.

The Corporation thanked the Police Department for setting up a ‘Pondok Polis’ at the Waterfront and the establishment of the Tourist Police. Their constant vigilance saw a reduction in the number of unwanted incidences there.

JAIS also helped to organise raids with the Police and Waterfront Management to stamp and weed out unhealthy activities like glue sniffing, alcohol intoxication among youths, and other ‘lepak’ activities.

The DBKU enforcement team had helped prevent illegal hawkers from trading during major events there and RELA members had assisted the Police and the in-house security in managing crowds at these functions.

MUDT facilitated the funding for the refurbishment project for the Kuching Waterfront and JKKNS organised monthly traditional performances and events along the banks of the Kuching Waterfront.

Markas 3 Brigade Infantry through its Kor Polis Tentera Darat (KPTD) ensured the general safety of the area with their presence on weekends.

As a token of appreciation for their contributions, Talib, presented plaques and certificates of appreciation to each of the organisations involved.

Taken From:

The Eastern Times Online
28/05/2008