Washing machines fished out of reefs

Taking out the trash: (Top) A diver bringing out parts of a washing machine found on the floor bed of a popular diving spot off Pulau Mabul in Semporna. (Left) A diver showing plastic scraps caught in between the reefs in another popular spot off the island.

KOTA KINABALU: Divers and volunteers fished out two washing machines and filled up over 250 bags of rubbish at Pulau Mabul, a popular diving haven off the coast of Semporna.

The mainly plastic rubbish was collected from the island from around the shoreline, under stilt houses and in the water as part of an effort to protect the fragile and unique coral reefs at Pulau Mabul.