MIRI: Sarawak created history after successfully building the largest EcoBrick seahorse sculpture in Malaysia which used 2,137 EcoBricks as a result of contributions from more than 1,500 participants.

Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that the success of producing the 3.7 metre high and four metre wide sculpture reflected the strength and spirit of the Miri community’s cooperation in making environmental initiatives a success.

According to him, the achievement was not the result of the efforts of a single individual, but instead resulted from the commitment and cooperation of more than 1,500 participants consisting of school members, community bodies, business organisations and the general public.

"We must continue to educate the public about proper waste disposal methods and improve waste management. In developed countries and cities, waste is separated by type such as bottles, plastic and paper to facilitate the recycling process," he said.

He said this in a handover ceremony and inauguration of the handover of Malaysia's Largest EcoBrick Sculpture to Miri City Council (MCC) at Miri Public Park, on Sunday.

He said the handover of the sculpture to MCC marked an important achievement in raising environmental awareness and supporting the aspiration of making Miri a greener and more sustainable city.

The Senadin Assemblyman said that the Tzu Chi Foundation has not only been active in humanitarian and welfare work, but has also played a crucial role in raising public awareness of the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling waste.

He also reminded the community to pay serious attention to the issue of uncontrolled garbage disposal, as it can cause blockages in the drainage system and contribute to flash floods.

According to him, garbage found on the beach does not only originate from the sea, but some of it originates from the community itself when garbage is thrown into drains, flowing into rivers before finally reaching the sea and being washed back onto the beach.

In a related development, Dato Sri Lee shared that the current location is part of a new area that has been developed in Miri Public Park and is known as Eco Cliff Park.

“The area possesses an important educational and geological value because its natural geological structure can be utilised as a learning location for geology and petroleum engineering students.

“Additionally, the development of Eco Cliff Park was implemented through a special allocation of RM1.5 million obtained from the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg to improve recreational and educational facilities in the area.

“Among the next plans include the development of a new eco park in the area as well as the 'Green Wall of Miri City' concept,” he said. -UKASnews