BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

CLEANERS scoured the capital’s streets day and night to make sure the monarch’s 69th birthday parade is free from litter.

Supervisor of cleaners at the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, Yati Hj Kamarulzaman, said 60 cleaners were working yesterday and divided into morning and evening shifts.

“We take about three months to prepare for big events to ensure their working schedules won’t clash and make sure everything is properly cleaned,” she said on the sidelines of the parade at Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.

She said trash bins were placed at specific areas around the field and that the cleaners had reported they were not required to clean much after the event.

“I’ve been a supervisor for about eight years and have seen the difference back then and now. It’s more structured now because everyone is aware of what needs to be done,” she added.

Yati said the streets were cleaner than before because people are more aware of the importance of cleanliness.

One of the male cleaners, who did not want to be named, said all the cleaners had different tasks.

“I was assigned to arrange the seats along the grandstand and found that it is very organised this year.”

Having worked as a cleaner for more than five years, the 55-year-old said there is always room for improvements.

“Alhamdulillah from what I can see it gets better every time. Things are more organised for today’s event which is what we are hoping for especially for His Majesty.

“I will always give my all to ensure the field and streets are clean, this is my way of giving back to the country and even though it doesn’t seem much, I would want the guests invited to see that we too are trying our best to make such events successful.

“Happy 69th Birthday, Your Majesty! Thank you for being such a great ruler and caring for the nation. Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik!”

Awang, 50, said teamwork and understanding were important to ensure everything is cleaned.

“The good thing about all of us is that we understand this is our job and that we have to make sure everything is tidied up. We want people to come and see the place clean. It is not a nice sight even when a little bit of trash is lying around.

“As citizens and residents of our beloved country, this is our way of giving back as senior citizens. We may not be able to help with the big things as we don’t have that much energy, but we can help clean,” he added.

Awang said it was important to spread awareness of cleanliness, especially among youth.

“Cleanliness should be enforced not just for national events but in every day life. Today I saw a couple of children finishing their drinks and trying to find trash cans. One of the children just threw it on the streets and his father picked it up and told him to throw it in a trash can. That was really nice to see.”

“We should educate our children that if we love our country and nation, we should keep it clean. Syukur Alhamdulillah today we didn’t see much trash and I am so proud of everyone who were present at the event today. I am proud of every cleaner working to ensure everything is clean for our ruler,” he continued.

Suriah Soliman, 45, said she started work after the parade ended and saw that the streets were generally clean.

“When I came to work today I saw that not much had to be cleaned – this shows how aware people are that trash shouldn’t be thrown carelessly.”

Suriah, who has worked as a cleaner for 22 years, observed that the public are more concerned and aware about keeping the capital clean.

“Back then, you could see more trash lying around. Nowadays, the streets are cleaner and the sequence of events is more structured. I hope this will continue.”

The Brunei Times