SEMPORNA: Better waste management and sustained cleanliness efforts are crucial to protecting Semporna’s reputation as one of Sabah’s leading tourist destinations, says the Semporna Bumiputera Local Tourism Operators Association (Puspabumi).
Its Secretary, Anyrishah Mohd Shah, said clean surroundings were essential to ensuring visitors could enjoy the district’s islands, marine activities and world-renowned scuba diving attractions.
AnyrishahShe said responsible waste disposal was equally important to protecting marine ecosystems and maintaining the confidence of domestic and international tourists.
“Effective action is necessary to safeguard the livelihoods of local tourism operators, boat owners, tour guides, homestay providers and communities that depend on the industry for their income,” she said.
Anyrishah called on local authorities to strengthen solid waste management through more systematic rubbish collection schedules and additional bins at strategic locations.
She said regular and consistent waste collection in the town centre, at jetties and on tourist islands would help keep the district clean.
She also urged tourism operators, village communities, government agencies and visitors to participate in cleanliness campaigns.
Enforcement against illegal dumping should be strengthened, while efforts to reduce single-use plastics and encourage visitors to take their rubbish home from the islands should be stepped up, she said.
“Keeping Semporna clean requires the co-operation of everyone and cannot depend solely on the authorities, as cleanliness is a shared responsibility,” she said in a statement.
Anyrishah added that preserving the district’s natural surroundings was vital to sustaining its tourism appeal, protecting the environment and supporting local livelihoods.
She said consistent collective action was needed to ensure Semporna’s natural beauty remained an asset for future generations.
