KOTA KINABALU: A massive ocean clean-up near Sabah’s popular Semporna diving hub has netted the state water producer a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).
The state government-linked company Jetama Sdn Bhd set the record for the heaviest marine debris underwater clean-up in a day with a 2,171kg haul. This included collecting 1,578kg of plastic waste, the heaviest underwater plastic waste clean-up in a day.
The two national records through the annual environmental initiative of Jetama Annual Underwater Clean-Up 2025 were achieved in the waters off Semporna town and Mabul Island on March 25 and 26.
Jetama’s programme was officially recognised by MBOR for two extraordinary accomplishments on April 14, according to a statement issued by the company on Sunday (April 20).
Both records met and exceeded MBOR’s criteria, which required a minimum collection of 1,000kg of seabed waste and 350kg of plastic waste, with participation limited to no more than 20 professional divers.
Jetama chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Naim Uddang said these achievements cemented the company as a leader in sustainability and environmental conservation efforts in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah.
"The success marks a crucial turning point in Jetama’s continuous efforts to support environmental sustainability through a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach.
“This is not just about setting records to be remembered – we want to establish a new benchmark for underwater clean-up activities in Malaysia.
"Jetama believes the real impact lies in the amount of waste collected, not in the number of participants or the time taken to achieve it.
"This effort reflects our firm commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, which now form the core of Jetama’s operations and strategic development,” Ahmad Naim said.
The clean-up received support and cooperation from Semporna Professional Divers Association, Semporna Tourism Association, the marine police, and the Semporna District Council.
Ahmad Naim also encouraged more organisations to challenge the records set by Jetama to inspire more impact marine clean-up activities.
“We welcome healthy competition in terms of actual marine waste collection, because that is what truly benefits the marine ecosystem.
