LANGKAWI: A‘BEACH COMBER’ machine worth RM400,000 has been deployed to clean up Pantai Kastam in Tanjung Rhu here.
According to Tihanis Resources manager Datuk Syaharun Azli Abu Bakar, the Belgian-made machine would be used to clean up the beach, which spanned 1.8km.
“This machine effectively collects ocean debris, such as wood, plastic bottles and food containers, which is washed ashore.
“It drains the sand to a depth of 15cm to remove rubbish, and then levels the beach surface again,” he said at the launch of the machine here yesterday.
Tihanis Resources is the sub-contractor appointed by solid waste management company Environment Idaman to keep the beach clean.
The launch was officiated by Juhari Bulat, who is Kedah deputy speaker and Ayer Hangat assemblyman.
Juhari said the cleanliness and beauty of the beach were crucial to attract more tourists to Langkawi.
“The machine can clean up to 90 per cent of the rubbish left on the beach before uploading them onto a truck.”