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A sustainability initiative in Semporna has helped remove more than 15 tonnes of floating solid waste from its waters since its launch last year
The achievement was recorded under the Persatuan Usahawan Pelancongan Bumiputera Semporna (Puspabumi) Eco Pledge Programme, a joint effort between Reef Check Malaysia and local tourism operators to promote responsible waste management practices.
Reef Check Malaysia senior programme manager Adzmin Fatta said the initiative was introduced following reports of plastic bags filled with rubbish floating in open waters.
"Last year, we received several reports of plastic bags containing waste floating in our waters, believed to have been discarded irresponsibly while boats were returning to the mainland.
"Tourism operators were identified as one of the possible sources.
"Rather than waiting for enforcement alone, Puspabumi took the initiative to establish a monitoring system among its members to ensure waste generated from tourism activities is brought back to the mainland and disposed of responsibly," he said in a statement.
Launched in November 2024, the programme encourages tourism operators to adopt better waste management practices by ensuring rubbish from their operations is properly disposed of at designated facilities on the mainland provided by the Semporna District Council.
Plastic pollution has long been one of Semporna's most visible environmental challenges, with floating rubbish affecting the district's image as one of Malaysia's top marine tourism destinations
Puspabumi president Madzaffar Madjahala said visitors frequently raise concerns about waste found in Semporna's waters, adding that tourism operators have a role to play in addressing the issue.
"While Puspabumi alone cannot solve the problem entirely, we can ensure that our members, whether they operate travel agencies, resorts, or tourism services, are not contributing to it.
"Through the Eco Pledge Programme, our members are continuously improving their tourism practices, particularly in proper waste management," he said.
Adzmin said Semporna has the potential to become a leader in sustainable tourism, but this requires stronger policies, better infrastructure, effective waste management systems, and greater involvement from tourism operators
"By working together, we can protect the very ecosystems that support our communities, livelihoods, and tourism industry for generations to come," he said.
