Maintain cleanliness. not leave trash behind, when visiting Batang Lupar Bridge 1, Uggah appeals to public

KUCHING, June 15 2026: Deputy Minister Douglas Uggah Embas has appealed to members of the public to maintain cleanliness and safety at the Batang Lupar Bridge 1, which has now become one of the new landmarks and tourist attractions in Sarawak.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah says  the increasing number of visitors to the location requires the cooperation of all parties to ensure that the area is always clean

He said since it was opened to motorists last month the bridge  has attracted Sarawakians all over the state just to enjoy the scenic view.

Uggah said the increasing number of visitors to the location requires the cooperation of all parties to ensure that the area is always clean, orderly and safe to use., expressing his disappointment with the trash left behind by the visitors 

"On behalf of the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), we are taking steps to provide garbage disposal facilities and will continue to monitor the area because we want this place to always be clean and attractive," Uggah, who is also the state Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, told reporters after chairing the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration Main Committee Meeting at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) Building today..

He added that the bridge has great potential as a tourist destination as more and more visitors from abroad are coming to see the iconic structure for themselves.

Therefore, he urged all parties, including the local community, to work together to protect the property of Sarawakians and not tarnish the image of Bumi Kenyalang.

"Take good care of this facility so that it continues to be our pride in the future.

"The Public Works Department will take the necessary steps to ensure cleanliness remains one of the main features of Batang Lupar," he said.

Commenting further on the safety aspect, the Sarawak Infrastructure and Port Development Minister advised users to drive carefully and not to drive beyond the set speed limit.

He added that the Public Works Department is looking into several issues related to facilities and maintenance in the bridge area and is expected to submit a further report within two weeks. 

Dr Sim praises management committees of temples in Batu Kawa for their excellent work

KUCHING, June 15 2026: Deputy Premier Dr  Sim Kui Hian has commended the management committees of various temples in Batu Kawa area for their excellent work in managing, maintaining and renovating their respective temples.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian (standing, centre) handing over a donation to the representative of one of the temples

He noted that there are many temples in Batu Kawa, which are not only important cultural and heritage sites for the Chinese community but also serve as gathering places for the local community.

He said he wants to see that these temple committees frequently organise activities such as deity birthday celebrations, Hungry Ghost Festival offerings, charitable events and temple management meetings. 

"These initiatives help preserve ethnic harmony, promote neighborliness and strengthen community unity," he said after personally distributing Sarawak Government grants to temples in the area over the past two days.

The temples are Persatuan Penganut Kuil Zhen Jun Di, Persatuan Buddhist Tze Yein Sungai Moyan Batu Kawa, Fook-Ted Temple Sejijak Batu Kawa, Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Kuil Voon Fah Kiong, Segubang, Batu Kawa, Batu Kawa Tian Sze Ja Temple Association, Che Qian Khor Moral Up-Lifting Society, Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Fatt Chu Sheng Khiun Kuching, Persatuan Penganut Dewa Wu Xuan Dai Di, P.P.K Tze Yin Yun Vun Kiung K.C.S Batu Kawa, Persatuan Penyokong Kuil Fu Bao Gong Batu Kawa Kuching, Kuil Nam Fah Tian, Kuil Ying Yuan, Hian Shing Khioong Committee, Kuil Soon Lee, Sungai Tapang, Batu Kawa, Sungai Tapang Chinese Taipakong Temple, Persatuan Penganut Buddha Chang Phin San, Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Kuil Ngee Boon Kiung, Persatuan Penganut Taoist Feng Huo Yen Kuching and Lo San Miaw. 

Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawa State Legislative Member (SLM), explained that the Sarawak government grants are intended to support activities organized by temple committees and to help cover operational expenses. stating that for major repair works, temple committees may apply for additional funding from the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR). 

He added that as long as the necessary requirements are fulfilled, including ownership of the temple land by the temple committee, applications for substantial repair or expansion projects would generally be approved by UNIFOR.

“For example, Persatuan Penganut Dewa Wu Xuan Dai Di received over RM2 million from UNIFOR, successfully completing its project. The recent expansion of the Batu Kawa Tian Sze Ja Temple Association and many other projects also received support from UNIFOR.”

Dr Sim stated that the Sarawak government is grateful for the cooperation and mutual respect among the various communities in Sarawak as this harmony allows the government to focus on Sarawak’s economic growth and development rather than resolving community issues.

He noted that recent incidents in Selangor and Pahang, where guidelines restricting religious activities and buildings were introduced, have drawn national concern.

Dr Sim emphasised that Sarawak’s strength lies in its diversity and the mutual respect shared among people of different races and religions.

“As Sarawakians, we must continue to safeguard our tradition of moderation, respect and inclusiveness. We must never allow racial or religious extremism to divide us,” he said.

He added that the Sarawak government will continue to uphold the principles of religious freedom and support the legitimate needs of all faiths, ensuring that every community can practise its beliefs peacefully and contribute to Sarawak’s nation-building efforts.