Kota Kinabalu: More than 430kg of waste were collected along the shores of Tanjung Aru Beach through the 2026 Beach Clean-Up Programme organized by the Borneo Marine Institute (IMB) of University Malaysia Sabah (UMS), recently.
The programme was organised in conjunction with the Ocean Celebration 2026 through a strategic collaboration between IMB UMS and Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd (TAED), aimed at strengthening public awareness of the importance of environmental conservation and marine ecosystem protection.
A total of 86 participants took part in the programme, comprising 59 volunteers and 27 organising committee members from IMB and TAED.
The clean-up operation, which was conducted over several hours along the beach shoreline, collected waste that was subsequently gathered for disposal and more systematic waste management.
UMS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor officiated the programme. His speech was delivered by Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Tamrin Mohamad Lal, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) of IMB.
Kasim stressed that the ocean is a highly valuable natural treasure that must be continuously protected as a shared responsibility for the well-being of future generations.
“The ocean is not only an important source of biodiversity, but also forms the foundation of food security, economic prosperity, and the sustainability of human life,” he said.
He added that preserving the sustainability of marine ecosystems requires continuous commitment and comprehensive involvement from all parties, including educational institutions, industry players and the wider community.
Meanwhile, TAED’s Head of Governance and Legal Compliance, Datuk Edmund Duodilim, representing the TAED General Manager, said the programme reflects a shared commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of coastal areas.
He said clean beaches cannot be achieved without public awareness and collective action in protecting the environment.
“Shared awareness and responsibility are essential to ensure that this natural treasure remains preserved for future generations,” he explained.
He further noted that the collaboration between TAED and UMS through the organization of the program demonstrates the effectiveness of synergy between the corporate sector and educational institutions in advancing sustainability initiatives.
The programme was also viewed as an important platform for raising public awareness of marine pollution issues and the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of coastal areas.
The organisers hope that similar initiatives will continue to be carried out on an ongoing basis to strengthen a culture of environmental conservation among local communities.
