PORT KLANG, January 24 – In an effort to create a clean and safe environment, the Permanent Committees on Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development today launched a Prime Gotong Royong programme in Pulau Ketam.
 
The programme which is the first of its kind was also joined in collaboration by the Klang Municipal Council, District Office, Alam Flora, Selangor Islamic Religious Council and several non-governmental organisations such as Briged Amal Selangor.

Its Chairperson, Dr Halimah Ali, when met at the gotong-royong said she was satisfied that the programme had received such encouraging reception and participation from the local population.
 
She said, the programme’s main goal was to create awareness to the people about the importance of cleanliness particularly in their own homes.
 
“For this first phase, we have seen that children are the best people to start with, which is why we encouraged students from three schools here to be involved in this gotong royong,” she said, adding that she hoped to further teach students to  work together in maintaining cleanliness.

Dr Halimah who is also Selat Klang State Assemblyman said even though the gotong royong programme this time involved more outside agencies (government and NGO) she hoped that in the future, more of the residents of Pulau Ketam would be able to join in.

Meanwhile, Pulau Ketam Village Chief, Cha Keng Lee hoped the gotong royong would foster a closer relationship and cooperation between the leaders, agencies and residents in keeping the Pulau Ketam area clean.
 
He said, even though it was this was the first time such an event was being held, they were extremely happy that the Selat Klang State Assemblyman was also there with them.

Indirectly, he said, this meant the people of Pulau Ketam also got to know their new representative on a more personal level. – MURIZA ABDUL HAMID