Kota Kinabalu's mainland, rivers largest contributors to marine waste
Published on: Friday, September 22, 2023
By: Sherell Jeffrey
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Noorliza also acknowledge the need for more advanced technologies and innovative solutions to effectively tackle this issue.
Kota Kinabalu: A recent feasibility study by City Hall (DBKK) showed Kota Kinabalu’s mainland and rivers are the largest contributors to marine waste, with the islands contributing less.
“It is essential that we recognise our shared responsibility in this issue. Our inland, river and island communities play a significant role in this matter, and it is evident that they require improved waste management solutions,” said Mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip.
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The study is among latest initiatives by DBKK to address marine conservation and managing marine debris via its new partnership with Kure Daiya, a Japanese vessel manufacturer specialising in equipment for waste collection in waterways and the ocean.
“In recent years, we have witnessed the devastation marine debris has caused to our coastlines and aquatic life, plastic waste in particular poses a serious threat to our ecosystem, marine life and way of life.
“However, the tide is turning with the concerted efforts that DBKK has undertaken to combat this pressing issue,” Noorliza said at the Marine Pollution Mitigation: The Ongoing and Future Efforts in Kota Kinabalu City Seminar, here, Thursday.
Her speech was delivered by DBKK Director-General Junainah Abbie.
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Collaborating with Kure Daiya’s local counterparts, the Marine Research Foundation, DBKK embarked on a comprehensive feasibility study to address waste collection in the coastal areas off here.
Noorliza said over the course of seven days during both dry and rainy days, they collected data on marine debris using a waste collection vessel manufactured by Kure Daiya.
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The results were staggering – a total of 2,230kg of waste were collected from the city’s coastal areas, with plastics constituting the majority.
On average, 150kg per day were collected during the dry days and 170kg during the wet days.
“While this is still a trial and not yet optimised for our waters, we anticipate the development of a more KK-focused operation.
“But take notice, the data collected from the study underscores the urgency of our actions and the need for immediate change,” she said.
“The study highlighted that the primary sources of marine debris are both the mainland and our waterways, with lesser contributions from the islands.
“It is essential that we recognise our shared responsibility in this issue. Our inland, river and island communities play a significant role in this matter, and it is evident that they require improved waste management solutions,” she said.
In response to these findings, DBKK has taken proactive measures which include initiating a waste collection drive on Gaya Island, a crucial step towards reducing debris from this popular tourist destination.
Additionally, DBKK has extended efforts to include waste collection from the Kalansanan and Inanam rivers.
Noorliza also acknowledge the need for more advanced technologies and innovative solutions to effectively tackle this issue.
“We must expand waste management services to reach our water villages and outer suburbs from which waste flow, addressing the problem’s source at its core.
“Through partnerships with both local and international organisations, we aim to bring cutting-edge waste collection and recycling technologies to our shores,” she said.
She also encouraged everyone to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives, reduce single-use plastics and participate in community clean-up drives.
“We must continue to integrate recycling and plastic-reducing programs into our lives, our homes, our schools and our businesses,” she said.
“As the Mayor of Kota Kinabalu, I am steadfast in my commitment to marine conservation and marine debris management,” she said.
“Together, with the combined efforts of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kure Daiya, Nippon Koei Japan, the Marine Research Foundation and all our citizens, we are forging a path towards a brighter future for Kota Kinabalu City and its magnificent marine ecosystem.
“Let us work hand in hand to protect our oceans, preserve our marine life, and secure a thriving future for Kota Kinabalu City,” she said.
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