KOTA KINABALU: In their 2018 Budget wishlist, Sabahans want to see improvements in terms of environmental cleanliness, maritime enforcement and welfare aid.
Trash Hero Borneo co-founder Monica Chin said she hopes the government should allocate funding for cleanliness effort especially those working to tackle indiscriminate dumping.
“Cleanliness is still a long way to go. The government need to aggressively conduct anti-litter programme to continue enhancing awareness on the importance of keeping our nation clean.
“I want to see Sabah having the cleanest beach in Southeast Asia. It is sad that people are still throwing rubbish indiscriminately. We need to change this behaviour if we want to move towards transformation and becoming a progressive nation,” she said.
Chin, who is also an avid scuba diver, said clean environment would also boost tourism industry as more people prefer to travel to a peaceful and clean country.
“With this I also hope the government will allocate more funds to further drive the tourism industry especially in Sabah, with many potential dive sites to be explored along the north and east coast,” she said.
A dive operator in Kudat Camuel Tsen hoped the government will put more focus on tackling fish bombing and poisoning in Sabah waters.
"The fish bombing is getting intense here. We hear it almost every day.
"Both activities are the main reasons the ocean marine life is dying and damaged," he said, adding the government also emphasise on conservation.
The 37-year-old diver also suggested that the road in Kudat to be maintained as the tourism industry is booming for diving, surfing, and leisure activities.
Meanwhile, Semporna Fishermen Association chairman Salleh Abdul Salleh said one of the fishermen's wishlist was to continue receiving petrol allowances.
"Jetties should also be built in the district to make loading and unloading easier for fishing vessels.
"On the welfare of fishermen, we hope the government will also allocate funds to help their children's education and grant for association members to conduct businesses." he said.