SEMPORNA: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is dissatisfied with the level of cleanliness here, which he fears will negatively affect tourist arrivals.
Semporna is one of Sabah’s top tourism destinations, but the lack of cleanliness and rubbish on the island may keep visitors away and badly impact businesses at the tourist hotspot, he said.
“Semporna is one of the districts in Sabah which (is a magnet for) tourists, especially from China and Europe. But overall, the cleanliness in this district is not up to par.
“The tourism sector is a (major contributor) to state income, therefore the community must be more responsible in ensuring rubbish is (properly dumped),” he said after launching the Free-litter Sabah programme here.
Present were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman; Agriculture and Food Industry assistant minister Dr Daud Yusof; Bugaya assemblyman Datin Manis Muka Mohd Darah; and district officer Bianus Kontong.
Among Semporna’s attractions is Sipadan island, which is a world-class diving destination.
Mohd Shafie, who is also Senallang state assemblyman and the Semporna Member of Parliament, said the state government will take necessary action if cleaning workers fail to carry out their duties well.
“In cases in which workers are being lackadaisical in their jobs, I will ask district officers to take action against them.
“Besides that, I also urge everyone to play their role in tackling the cleanliness issue.
“It is (also) important to inculcate (a culture of) cleanliness among schoolchildren,” he added.
About 3,000 people – including employees from government departments and agencies, and non-governmental organisations – are taking part in cleaning activities in Semporna town here today.