KiTA Seeks Matching Grant from KePKAS for Waste Management and River Clean-Up in Kinabatangan

Liew (centre) with from left : Mohd Soffian, Dr Siti Maryam, Lim and Yee.

1 June 2025

KOTA KINABALU: : The Kinabatangan-Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association, Sabah (KiTA), is seeking a matching grant from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) to support waste management and river clean-up initiatives in two villages within the Kinabatangan region.

During a recent courtesy visit to the Minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, KiTA President Johnny Lim formally submitted an application for the grant, appealing for the Ministry’s consideration and support.

Liew acknowledged that KiTA’s proposal to establish new waste disposal centres in Kampung Bilit and Kampung Sukau represents a significant environmental initiative. She emphasised its potential to safeguard the natural surroundings and promote long-term sustainability of eco-tourism in the Kinabatangan area.

In his presentation, Lim outlined three core components of the proposed project: the construction of a village waste disposal centre at Kampung Bilit, another similar facility at Kampung Sukau, and a river cleaning and awareness programme designed to educate local communities on environmental conservation.

“We at KiTA hope the Ministry will support our ongoing community-based environmental awareness programme in Kinabatangan, which serves the long-term interests of both local residents and eco-tourism development,” he said.

“To ensure the successful implementation of this initiative, we are requesting a matching grant from the Ministry.”

Lim explained that the original waste disposal centre in Kampung Bilit was established by KiTA in September 2015.

The facility had played a pivotal role in raising public awareness on village and river cleanliness, as well as the importance of environmental protection.

“However, after several years, the centre has deteriorated and is now having a negative impact on both the local environment and the area's tourism appeal,” he said.

“We are therefore proposing to construct a new facility near the existing site, to be supported by regular waste collection services provided by the local authority.”

Also present during the visit were KePKAS Senior Assistant Secretary Dr Dayang Siti Maryam Mohd Hanan, Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, and KiTA’s Immediate Past President Alexander Yee.