Sabah Must Strengthen Efforts to Address Plastic Pollution

November 25, 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Comprehensive efforts are needed to strengthen and enhance laws and policies to more effectively tackle the issue of plastic pollution in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam.

He expressed concern over the rising plastic pollution, which is not only a global issue but also poses serious challenges in the state of Sabah.

“This issue is not only a focus at the international level, but Sabah is also not exempt from facing the same problem. Plastic pollution threatens the environment and profoundly affects every aspect of life, including ecosystem health and community well-being,” said the Minister of Local Government and Housing during the opening of the “No Plastic in Nature” Symposium at the Hilton Hotel in Kota Kinabalu today.

The symposium was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP) and WWF-Malaysia, and supported by the Sabah CSO-SDG Alliance.

Dr. Joachim emphasised that Sabah, rich in natural resources such as coral reefs, beaches, hills, and Mount Kinabalu, is now facing the threat of plastic pollution that undermines its natural beauty.

“Many areas that were once clean are now contaminated with waste. In the ocean, plastic floats and covers coral reefs, while our beaches and islands are littered with plastic. This not only pollutes the environment but also negatively impacts Sabah's image as a world-class tourist destination,” he stated.

He added that solutions to the issue of plastic pollution require cooperation from all parties, including the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the private sector, communities, and other stakeholders.

Dr. Joachim also praised the symposium as a platform for stakeholders to share information, insights, and initiatives related to plastic management.

“I hope that through the collaboration of all parties, we can develop more sustainable intervention strategies that focus on managing and reducing plastic waste as well as preventing plastic leakage into the environment.

“It is also my hope that laws and management policies can be strengthened and enhanced to more effectively address the issue of plastic pollution in Sabah,” he said.

He urged the community not to take this issue lightly and to understand that the responsibility for addressing plastic pollution lies with each individual.

He stated that only through collective efforts can Sabah achieve its goal of becoming a plastic pollution-free state.

Also present were KKTP Undersecretary (Development) Johnny Samson; Senior Conservation Director of WWF Malaysia Dr. Henry Chan; and Chairperson of the CSO-SDG Sabah Alliance Ruth Yap.