KOTA KINABALU: A concerted effort needs to be made to strengthen and improve laws and policies to curb plastic pollution in Sabah more effectively, says Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
The Deputy Chief Minister II said the increase in plastic pollution was not only a global issue but also posed a serious problem to the state.
"Sabah is not exempt from facing the same problem of plastic pollution that remains a challenge internationally.
"Plastic pollution threatens the environment and has a profound impact on every aspect of life, including ecosystem health and community well-being," Joachim, who is state Local Government and Housing Minister.
As such, he said everyone in the community should not take the issue lightly and have to understand their responsibility of dealing with plastic pollution that rests on the shoulders of each individual.
He said that only through joint efforts, Sabah can realise the goal of becoming a state free of plastic pollution.
Speaking at the "No Plastic in Nature" Symposium here Monday (Nov 25), Dr Gunsalam said that Sabah, which is rich in natural resources such as coral reefs, beaches, hills and Mount Kinabalu, is now facing the threat of plastic pollution affecting its natural beauty.
"Many areas that used to be clean are now polluted with waste. In the sea, plastic floats and covers coral reefs, while our beaches and islands are littered with plastic.
"This not only pollutes the environment but also has a negative impact on Sabah's image as a world-class tourism destination," he said.
The solution to the issue of plastic pollution requires cooperation from all parties, including the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, communities and other stakeholders," he added.
This symposium is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP) and WWF-Malaysia, and supported by the Sabah CSO-SDG Alliance.
Dr Joachim hoped the symposium would be the platform for stakeholders to share information, views, and initiatives related to plastic management.
"I hope that, through the cooperation of all parties, we can develop a more sustainable intervention strategy that focuses on the management and reduction of plastic waste and the prevention of plastic leakage into the environment.
"My hope is that laws and management policies can be strengthened and improved to deal with the issue of plastic pollution in Sabah more effectively," he said.
The symposium is organised by the State Local Government and Housing Ministry and WWF-Malaysia, and supported by the Sabah CSO-SDG Alliance.
