KINABATANGAN: The issue of waste management in Sukau, here, must be addressed immediately in a more structured manner to safeguard the area’s status as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
He said the accumulation of solid waste not only tarnishes the image of the ecotourism destination but could also have a direct impact on wildlife habitats, river quality and the overall visitor experience.
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“I want Sukau, Kinabatangan to emerge as one of the top choices for both domestic and international tourists, especially in conjunction with the VMY campaign.
“However, I wish to stress that the issue of waste management in the Sukau tourism area must be addressed immediately and in a more organised manner.
“The problem of solid waste accumulation not only tarnishes the image of the destination, but can also have a direct impact on wildlife habitats, river quality and the overall visitor experience,” he said after attending a briefing session with tourism industry operators in Sukau, on Sunday.
Jafry said the meeting was held to gather firsthand feedback, proposals and concerns from industry players on the development of sustainable tourism in the area.
He said Sukau, Kinabatangan was officially recognised as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve following a two-year nomination process from 2022 to 2024, a status that he said carries significant responsibility and requires the commitment of all stakeholders to protect environmental sustainability and ecological balance.
“Sukau cannot afford to compromise on cleanliness and waste management. Failure to address this issue seriously could undermine its reputation as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve and erode tourist confidence,” he said.
Among the proposals discussed during the session, he said, was to build a waste collection facility as an initial step towards establishing a more systematic, efficient and environmentally friendly waste management system in the area.
Jafry said his ministry would study the proposal in detail together with local authorities, relevant agencies and the local community to ensure that any solution implemented is practical, realistic and sustainable.
He said the ministry remains open to engaging directly with tourism industry players and local residents, adding that effective solutions must be grounded in on-the-ground realities rather than confined to meeting rooms.
“We want Sukau to continue developing as a high-quality, clean and well-managed nature-based tourism destination that delivers direct benefits to the people, not just in name, but through strong management and effective implementation,” he said.
