Artistes can play important role in conservation

Borneo Jazz performers taking group photo with MCC and STB officials before the beach cleaning event. — Daphne Jolly / The Star

Miri: Performers can use the Borneo Jazz Festival as a platform to encourage local community to love and protect the environment, said Miri City Council (MCC) deputy mayor Julaihi Mohamad.

Speaking at the opening of Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) beach cleaning event ahead of the festival, he said performers could share their knowledge on conservation through their music.

“MCC has reminded the community time and time again to stop littering but to no avail.

“I believe the community, especially the younger generation, may listen if these reminders come from their music icons,” said Julaihi.

He urged the performers as well as visitors to come back to Miri and help make the city a beautiful place.

The beach cleaning activity is part of the Borneo Jazz Greening Project, which brings together guest performers and the local community to give back to Mother Nature.

Last year, the project involved a tree-planting event at Piasau Nature Reserve here.

The Borneo Jazz Festival is now in its 12th year and will feature performers from Canada, Netherlands, France, Japan, South Africa, Italy, the US and Taiwan.