KOTA KINABALU: Relevant authorities and local communities, particularly in Semporna, should intensify their efforts to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of their precious environment.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Tiong King Sing said everyone must take collective responsibility, maintain cleanliness, promote hygiene, safeguard the environment, and contribute towards creating a cleaner and more beautiful environment for current and future generations.
In a Facebook post, Tiong wanted the ministry's Sabah office and the state Tourism, Culture and Environment ministry to address the recurring issue of poor hygiene and unsatisfactory cleanliness standards in various tourism spots in Semporna, Sabah.
"One of the issues that concern travellers to Semporna is the contamination of seawater due to improper disposal of waste, leading to harmful algal blooms and affecting marine life.
"Such incidents pose risks to public health and safety, including tourists. I implore all parties in Semporna to take immediate actions to address this issue.
"I am also gravely concerned about recent reports of food poisoning incidents that led to patients suffering from severe diarrhoea and needing intravenous therapy (IV) treatment at hospitals.
"KePKAS should pay greater attention and conduct thorough inspections in urban and coastal areas. Collaborate with relevant parties to clean and maintain these areas properly," he said.
Tiong added that he had also raised the matter at a post-cabinet meeting and urged relevant authorities, including Sabah Parks, to enhance the preservation of marine ecosystems, particularly around the islands in the Semporna area.
He added that efforts to combat environmental pollution should be intensified to safeguard the cleanliness and beauty of Sabah, a significant asset of our beloved state.
"The irresponsible actions of certain individuals who damage marine life through activities like fish bombing must be curbed.
"These actions can lead to irreversible damage to our precious marine ecosystems," he said.