RUBBISH-FREE: Firm aims to set record by cleaning up Sabah dive sites
KOTA KINABALU: THE sight of rubbish at tourist spots in Sabah could turn potential tourists away, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.
The state’s rich bio-diversity and ecosystem would be useless if it was polluted by rubbish, he said at the launch of a voluntary underwater clean-up project by Astro recently.
Masidi said locals had a role to play when it came to maintaining a clean environment, including the sea.
He lauded the effort taken by Astro through its Astro Kasih Beautiful Malaysia project, which will see divers take part in a 168-hour underwater clean-up at 14 dive sites, at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park from April 6 to 13.
“Pollution, such as rubbish, has reached an alarming level in Sabah. There have been cases where tourists did not want to come here because of it. It is an embarrassment, not only to Sabah, but also to the country.”
Present were Astro chief financial officer Ahmad Fuad Kenali, its community affairs vice-president David Yap and Sabah Journalists Association president and New Straits Times Sabah and Sarawak regional editor Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Astro Kasih hopes to create an awareness of marine conservation by aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the longest underwater clean-up at the park.
“We value the importance of preserving our environmental heritage. It is encouraging to see an organisation like Astro taking an active role in creating a beautiful Malaysia, especially in Sabah.
“Marine debris is our concern as it damages corals and kills marine life. Astro is here to help us, but Sabah folk must also make an effort.”
So far, Astro has received more than 200 registrations for the record attempt.
Among those volunteering are Miss Earth Sabah participants.
Yap said priority would be given to Sabah folk to take part in the clean-up in accordance with the terms and conditions attached to the project.
“For non-divers, we will have Astro Kasih’s Marine Conservation Day on April 13 where there will be lots of fun and learning activities.”
Snorkelling and scuba diving lessons would be also provided for the underprivileged, he added.
In 2011, the programme helped to transplant 777 corals in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, off Semporna, earning a place in the Malaysia Book of Records.
Source : New Straits Times
