MCA has highlighted the critical importance of environmental cleanliness and conservation for marine life and waterway, saying clean environments contribute to improved public health outcomes.
This is following news reports of Mabul islanders recently cleaning up 20,000kg of waste, and a 22-second video posted on social media showing otters in Sungai Klang which had sparked a debate about the cleanliness and health of the river.
“Maintaining cleanliness on Mabul Island is vital for preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity, supporting diverse marine ecosystems reliant on clean waters and beaches,” commented MCA deputy secretary-general Dr Pamela Yong in a statement.
“Similarly, otter sightings in Klang River highlight how clean urban waterways are crucial for wildlife habitats, illustrating the impact of pollution.”
Yong, who is also the Wanita MCA Sabah chairperson, said Mabul Island is a renowned diving destination attracting global tourists, necessitating clean beaches and waters for activities like diving and snorkeling.
Likewise, cleanliness efforts benefit urban areas such as Klang River by enhancing recreational opportunities and promoting eco-tourism through wildlife sightings like otters.
As such, clean environments contribute to improved public health outcomes, preventing waterborne diseases on Mabul Island and ensuring safer recreational spaces along Klang River.
“These initiatives also educate communities about waste’s ecological impact, encouraging sustainable practices to protect natural environments,” Yong remarked.
“Collaborative efforts between local communities, government agencies, and NGOs are pivotal for effective waste management and environmental policy implementation.”
Yong noted that such partnerships ensure sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, fostering cleaner environments that would be beneficial for present and future generations.
“In summary, maintaining cleanliness on Mabul Island and ensuring clean waterways like Klang River are crucial for environmental conservation, tourism, public health, education, and collaborative governance,” she added.
“These initiatives promote sustainable practices and preserve natural habitats across Malaysia’s diverse landscapes.”
On July 8, it was reported that islanders on Mabul Island in Sabah collected 20,000kg of rubbish in a clean-up effort under a district-level campaign launched earlier this year.
In March, over 1,000 islanders participated in a comprehensive clean-up effort, removing more than 10,000kg of debris. A subsequent clean-up in June yielded another 8,000kg of waste.
Last Saturday marked the third phase of the initiative, with an additional 5,000kg collected, bringing the total to over 20,000kg.
Meanwhile, a 22-second video posted on the Reddit social media platform by @rose-dacquoise showed otters in Sungai Klang rolling in the sand to dry their coats before jumping back into the river. The video sparked a debate among netizens about the cleanliness and health of the river.
Sungai Klang runs through several dense population and industrial centres in the Klang Valley, making it at risk to pollution.
The waterway is part of the RM4.363 bil River of Life revitalisation project, which the auditor-general recently said in its report would not be completed this year due to missed implementation targets. – July 10, 2024
Pic credit: The Star
