SEMPORNA: Keeping Semporna islands clean should also be the responsibility of the tour operators and not the local council alone, says Reef Check Malaysia (Sabah).
Its operation manager Adzmin Matta said since the islands do not have any waste management system, tour operators should also assume the responsibility of keeping the islands clean.
“People come to Semporna because of the beauty of the islands and crystal clear water, so if we want to keep it that way, tour operators must play their part.
“Since they are the ones bringing in tourists, they should also make sure the islands are free from garbage,” he said when contacted.
Adzmin said some of the common trash produced by island hopping activities include single-use plastics and food waste.
“Food waste could also have an impact on the marine life population, so to be safe, it is better that they dispose such waste properly upon returning to the mainland.
“This should be done by all tour operators as part of responsible tourism,” he said.
Ohh Semporna Ku Travel founder Abdul Hafez Majid said the travel agency had started its beach clean-up initiative since the spike in tourist traffic to Semporna in early April.
“We have done beach clean-up activities before the pandemic but not on a regular basis.
“However, ever since the government lifted the travel ban in April, we have received an influx of local tourists.
“So now, beach clean-up has become a requirement for every island trip that we organise,” he said, adding that his company could organise 10 boat trips per day carrying more than 100 tourists.
He added that the clean-up is handled by the tour guides themselves.
“We want to set a good example and share with the tourists on the importance of taking care of the environment as we depend on its beauty to make ends meet,” he said.
Some of the most visited islands in Semporna are Mabul, Sipadan, Kapalai, Bohey Dulang, Mataking, Timba-Timba, Mantabuan, Sibuan and Pom-Pom.