Team effort: Volunteers cleaning up the area around Kampung Air in Semporna.
KOTA KINABALU: Semporna youths came together to clean up the state’s world-renowned diving haven, which has been criticised for its “dirty conditions” by tourists and national leaders.
Under the banner of Skuad Anak Sabah, they made history by collecting over eight tonnes of trash in a single clean-up that earned them a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the most waste collection recorded by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Malaysia.
The record-setting clean-up was part of the Anak Sabah Semporna Beach Cleanup Programme 2025, which mobilised 500 volunteers from Skuad Anak Sabah, Kampung Air residents and the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
The initiative targeted Semporna Town Field and Kampung Air areas that were previously highlighted for poor waste management.
Skuad Anak Sabah deputy president II Mazlan Mainan said the programme was a direct response to a viral video by foreign tourists that portrayed Semporna as dirty and unwelcoming.
“Kampung Air faces serious waste challenges, but we chose to rise together.
“This wasn’t just about picking up trash, it was a statement that Sabahans care deeply and are ready to protect their homeland,” he said after the clean-up.
Mazlan said the initiative led to unity among the community and encouraged youth involvement in environmental conservation.
“This achievement belongs to everyone who loves Semporna. We want to show that we can uphold Sabah’s image without relying on outsiders,” he added.
MBOR representative Edwin Yeoh handed over the official certificate to Skuad Anak Sabah in a ceremony celebrating the group’s effort.
The programme was supported by Sawit Kinabalu Group, Grill Patio, K2 Water, Page Eight, HS Printing Solution and Barber Addict, along with help from villagers and authorities.
In thanking those who supported the clean-up, Skuad Anak Sabah hoped that the initiative would inspire other NGOs to launch similar community cleanup efforts in the state.
“We can’t change perceptions with words alone but with actions that leave a lasting impact,” the youth group said in a statement yesterday.
