KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Bebas Sampah (Trash-Free Sabah) campaign launched in Semporna under the Warisan government was successful because it combined leadership, teamwork and firm enforcement, said former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong.
Jaujan, also former Local Government and Housing Minister, said the initiative aimed not only to clean the town but to change people’s behaviour towards waste management.
Former Semporna District Officer Bianus Kontong led the drive that brought together the council, enforcement officers and residents, managing to clean up the district within two months.
The campaign used skimmer boats to remove floating rubbish, built two incinerators capable of burning two tonnes of waste daily, and enforced spot fines of RM50 for littering.
However, after Gabungan Rakyat Sabah took over, the programme ended with no follow-up enforcement or community action, causing Semporna to fall back into its previous condition.
