TO address the growing threat of ocean pollution, 34 GE Aerospace volunteers took to the shores at Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang, Selangor, and removed 142kg of rubbish.
The initiative, in support of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, forms part of the company’s efforts to combat marine pollution through financial support and employee volunteerism.
Held annually worldwide on the third Saturday of September, ICC Day is coordinated locally by Reef Check Malaysia, with thousands of volunteers across Malaysia taking part in beach cleanups.
Reef Check Malaysia chief operating officer Theresa Ng said marine debris posed a growing threat to ocean ecosystems, local communities and island tourism.
“Marine debris is a serious issue threatening our ocean.
“While beach cleanups are not the long-term solution, they play an important role in removing debris that is already in the environment.
“They also help to create awareness and allow participants to see the impact of marine debris firsthand,” Ng said in a media release.
In 2025, over 8,000 volunteers across Malaysia collected more than 28,000kg of rubbish.
For ICC Day 2026, Reef Check Malaysia is calling on everyone to participate, whether by joining beach cleanups around the country or volunteering at the “Kod Blue” event happening in Pulau Tioman on Sept 19.
At Bagan Lalang beach, the collected rubbish included 760 cigarette butts, 255 pieces of plastic or foam pieces and 64 plastic beverage bottles.
“GE Aerospace is committed to supporting the communities where we live and work, through meaningful local partnerships and employee engagement,” said GE Aerospace Engine Services Malaysia managing director and executive plant leader Kong Hon Leong.
“Through our partnership with Reef Check Malaysia, we are able to contribute both funding and volunteer support to help address the issue of marine debris and protect Malaysia’s marine ecosystems.
“We are proud to see our employees come together in support of this important effort,” Kong added.
The partnership with GE Aerospace will support Reef Check Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to address the marine debris problem through advocacy, awareness programmes and community-based conservation initiatives.
