SEMPORNA: The task of ensuring cleanliness at public beaches and islands around Semporna should not be borne by the local authorities alone but also by tour operators operating there, says NGO Reef Check Malaysia (Sabah).

       Its operations manager Adzmin Fatta said that since the island does not have any waste management system, the responsibility should be shared by stakeholders.

       “People come to Semporna because of the beauty of the islands and the crystal-clear water, and if we want to keep it that way, they (operators) must play their part.

       “Since they are the ones in charge of bringing tourists to the islands, they should also be in charge of making sure the islands are free of garbage,” he said on Monday (May 30).

       Adzmin added that some of the common trash left by island-hopping activities include single-use plastics and food waste.

       “Food waste could also have an impact on the marine life around the island, so to be safe, it is better that visitors dispose of their waste properly upon returning to the mainland.

       “This should be monitored by all tour operators as part of their commitment to responsible tourism,” he added.

       Meanwhile, Ohh Semporna Ku Travel (OSKT) founder Abdul Hafez Majid said the travel agency started its beach clean-up initiative since the spike in tourist traffic to Semporna in early April.

       “We have had beach clean-ups before the Covid-19 pandemic, but not on a regular basis.

       “However, ever since the government lifted the travel ban in early April, we have received an influx of local tourists.

       "Now, beach clean-ups have become a requirement for every island trip we make," he said, adding that the company sends out about 10 boats per day carrying more than 100 tourists.

       He added that the clean-up was handled by the tour guides themselves, including the boat driver.

       “We wanted to set an example and share with tourists the importance of taking care of our environment, as we depend on its beauty to make our living,” he said.

       Some of the most visited islands in Semporna are Mabul, Sipadan, Kapalai, Bohey Dulang, Mataking, Timba-Timba, Mantabuan, Sibuan and Pom-Pom.