KOTA KINABALU: Residents of the Mabul Island water village came out in force to gather 14,325kg of trash in a recent clean-up programme.
The island was divided into six zones, each overseen by a community leader.
The idea came about after a realisation that the garbage situation was out of hand, said Kampung Mabul village head Mohd Yusuf Jalal.
“It was with this in mind that we initiated the island-wide clean-up.
“This is our fourth one and I am happy to see that more people turned up compared to previous efforts.
“We are thrilled to see the community increasingly recognising the importance of this effort and the need for collective action.
"I am committed to showing that together, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable environment on Mabul Island,” he said when interviewed after the clean-up.
He also thanked the Semporna District Council for its logistical support in transporting the trash to the landfill.
“Several others, including people from Semporna Aqua Planet and Makatagih Travel, also shared the cost of another boat transport, as we needed at least two large boats to transport the waste,” Yusuf added.
In addition to the clean-up initiative, Yusuf said the villagers also held a discussion with resort operators on the island to brainstorm sustainable financing for this effort, including monthly financial contributions from the resorts.
However, only six out of 15 resorts have responded to date, he added.
"This is the time to make things right and make it happen. We need everyone to support as much as they can, especially those who have been benefitting from this island. Together, we can solve these issues," Yusuf said.
He also welcomed anyone interested in contributing to the effort.
Village committee member Mubin Paraja said the clean-ups will now be weekly, and carried out every Saturday.
“We will continue until we have cleaned up everything. We will also lobby for a waste management system to stop direct disposal into the sea.
“We have technical advice from Reef Check Malaysia, which has provided support throughout this process,” said Mubin.
