RANAU: A targeted effort to curb roadside litter and drive long-term behavioural change has been launched through the Zero Waste Ranau Corridor Programme, a multi-agency initiative focusing on one of Sabah’s key tourism routes.
The programme, held on Friday at the Kinabalu Park Interpretation Centre and along the Tinompok–Kinabalu Park Junction stretch, is a collaboration between Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGP) Ranau, Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Ranau (UNK) and Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan Ranau (RTK).
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Ranau District Officer Tinus Saiman, who also chairs KUGGP Ranau, officiated the launch and stressed that the initiative goes beyond clean-up efforts, focusing instead on reshaping public attitudes towards waste disposal.
“The main challenge is not just collecting rubbish, but changing the culture and mindset of the community—not only locals, but also tourists and road users passing through Ranau,” he said.
A total of 194.7 kilograms of waste was collected during a clean-up carried out between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., underscoring the scale of the issue along the busy tourism corridor.
The Zero Waste Ranau Corridor Programme is headed by Justinus G, Assistant Park Manager (KPP) for Kinabalu Parks, with KUGGP Ranau serving as the coordinating body.
According to Tinus, participants from UNK and RTK will also take on roles as ambassadors for the programme, promoting zero-waste practices and environmental awareness among the public.
“The initiative targets not only school students and local residents, but also motorists who litter along the main tourism route from Tinompok to the Hot Spring station area.
“Authorities plan to roll out awareness programmes involving both communities and students as part of sustained engagement efforts.
“Although conceived as a long-term initiative, the programme will initially run from May to September 2026 to allow organisers to measure public response and participation levels,” he said, adding that following the launch, further promotional activities and programme updates will be carried out, including formal reporting of activities under KUGGP to Unesco.
