A NON-governmental organisation has proposed three projects aimed at raising environmental awareness among villagers in Sabah’s east coast district of Kinabatangan.
Hoping to secure a matching grant from the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS), the Kinabatangan-Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association Sabah (KiTA) president Johnny Lim said the initiative would address environmental concerns in Kampung Bilit and Kampung Sukau.
Lim said the proposed initiative included the construction of new waste disposal centres in Kampung Bilit and Kampung Sukau, along with a river-cleaning awareness programme aimed at educating the locals on proper waste disposal and river conservation.
“We hope the ministry will support our community-based environmental awareness programme for the long-term benefit of both the local people and eco-tourism development in the region,” he said during a recent courtesy call on Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
Lim said the original waste disposal centre in Kampung Bilit was built by KiTA in September 2015.
He said it had played a key role in encouraging proper waste management and promoting awareness of river cleanliness and environmental protection among residents.
“However, after several years, the existing facility has deteriorated and is now affecting the environment and tourism appeal of the area.
“We propose to build a new centre near the current site, with proper garbage collection services coordinated with the local authority,” he said.
Liew, meanwhile, acknowledged the importance of KiTA’s proposal and said the ministry would consider the application.
She praised the association’s efforts to promote sustainability and protect the natural environment in Kinabatangan, a region known for its rich biodiversity and thriving eco-tourism sector.
Also present during the meeting were KePKAS senior assistant secretary Dr Dayang Siti Maryam Mohd Hanan, Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar and KiTA’s immediate past president Alexander Yee Kok Tsen.
