KUCHING (May 2): Efforts to improve river cleanliness across Sarawak are ongoing, although challenges remain, particularly in rural and remote areas, said Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.

Speaking to reporters after officiating Bung Bratak Day 2026 on Friday, he acknowledged that some rivers in the state had previously been classified as polluted, but stressed that continuous mitigation measures are being carried out.

He said river-cleaning programmes are implemented every year, including community-based gotong-royong activities in villages, alongside more structured initiatives by relevant agencies.

“For major rivers such as Sungai Sarawak, we have term contracts in place to ensure daily cleaning works are carried out. Floating debris must be cleared regularly to prevent it from drifting towards key areas like the Kuching waterfront, which could affect its appeal,” he said.

According to Henry, similar measures are also undertaken in other areas, including Miri, through the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), which is tasked with maintaining river cleanliness.

However, he pointed out that waste management in rural areas continues to pose a significant challenge, especially in longhouse settlements and hilly terrain where access is limited.

“In some areas, refuse collection trucks cannot reach the settlements due to narrow roads or difficult terrain. As a result, rivers often become dumping grounds,” he said when asked by reporters on steps taken to clean up polluted rivers in Sarawak.

Based on latest reports, Sungai Kenyana, Sungai Penat, Batang Matu, Batang Jemoreng and Sungai Miri are in the ‘polluted’ category.

He explained that local councils are responsible for collecting waste within their jurisdiction, typically up to drainage systems, while river authorities take over once the waste enters rivers.

“This is a shared responsibility. If waste can be collected at the source, people will not resort to dumping it into rivers. But when access is an issue, it becomes more complicated,” he added.

Despite these challenges, Henry said there have been improvements in river water quality in certain areas, citing Sungai Tabuan as an example of successful rehabilitation.

He emphasised that maintaining clean rivers is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for food resources and public safety.

“If rivers are polluted, it will affect fish populations and food sources. The dirtier the river, the higher the risk of issues such as increased crocodile presence,” he said.

Henry added that the government remains committed to enhancing river management efforts, while calling for greater cooperation from all parties, including local authorities and communities, to address the issue effectively.

Credits: Samuel Aubrey, The Borneo Post 2026