SEMPORNA: The gotong-royong programme in the district was not only held to keep the area clean but to also raise awareness on keeping the area clean.
District Officer, Alexander Liew, said the programme implemented in the district was aimed at increasing awareness among the community on the importance of cleanliness.
He said it received a positive response with the involvement from people of all walks of life, especially the children living on the island, and hoped they will apply the culture of cleanliness among themselves.”
Also present was District Council Executive Officer, Ali Adam Hamjah.
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“This effort will have a positive impact on the island, which is famous as a tourism centre not only in our country but also internationally,” he said.
The programme, which was organised for the second time, was attended by about 100 people. The programme successfully collected five tonnes of rubbish.
Alexander added that the effort would continue to be implemented using other appropriate methods.
The village was divided into several zones and each zone has a garbage collection centre where it would be easier to load them onto boats.
Previously, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), Tiong King Sing, said he received complaints from tourists over the rubbish woes. Other issues raised included food poisoning, pricey accommodations and insect nuisance.
Motac suggested that Semporna should deal with issues related to cleanliness raised by tourists or face a “red notice”.
Eventually, the District Council took steps and long-term drastic measures to avoid action being imposed on the tourism industry in the district.
Meanwhile, Mabul Island village head, Mohd Yusof Jalal, said the villagers welcomed the programme and hoped more such programme will be held in the near future.
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