KUALA LUMPUR: Actress Maya Karin is taking her latest role — ambassador for the programme River Of Life — very seriously.

The 39-year-old artiste said in a news report yesterday that she never felt repulsive when picking up all the rubbish strewn in the river.

For Maya, what was more repulsive was the irresponsible people behind their litter.

She said it was upsetting to find rivers being treated like a dumping ground for garbage and trash.

“It’s very disappointing as besides plastic bottles, soiled baby diapers and plastic bags, I’m shocked to even find bigger items like an old sofa and auto parts thrown into the river,” she said in a video which she also shared on her Instagram account.

“What were they thinking? It doesn’t make sense. Our respect for nature and the environment is at its lowest. What if I were to discard my old sofa in front of their houses. Imagine what they would feel,” she said.

The video was recorded when Maya took part in a community project, cleaning Sungai Batu in Kampung Laksamana in Gombak recently.

She said civic consciousness among Malaysians regarding environmental issues is at its lowest.

“We need to ensure strong civic consciousness among Malaysians and to do so, there is a need for a concerted effort from various parties including the government.

“The importance of nature must begin from young and everyone including parents, neighbours and even celebrities have to play their respective roles,” she said.

At the same time, Maya expressed her hopes that fellow celebrities would be involved in caring for a clean environment towards a better future.

The community project named “Green Sungai Batu For All”, will continue at other locations such as Kampung Sungai Tua, Kampung Sungai Kertas, Kampung Nakhoda, Kampung Melayu Batu Caves, Kampung Baru Batu Caves Selatan and Batu Caves Indian Settlement.