Sim Sim Water Village’s perennial trash problem
Published on: Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Eyesore: The floating garbage in the village.
SANDAKAN: The never-ending problem of trash at Sim Sim Water Village here continues to irk locals who bring guests and visitors to have their meals at several well-known seafood restaurants in the district.
It is also embarrassing for tour operators when they bring foreign tourists there to relish the excellent seafood for which Sandakan is famous for.
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“Although tourists come from all over the world, especially Asia, to enjoy our renowned seafood, it is of utmost importance that we ensure the cleanliness of places where they dine.
Eating in a restaurant located alongside a sea of trash certainly dampens one’s appetite and reflects poorly on our standard of hygiene,” said Sandakan Indian Association Caretaker President, Taren Sunil Manoharan.
He said this is not the first time he raised the matter..
“Last year, through the newspapers as well as social media platforms, I have openly pleaded with the local authorities to do something about the issue but the problem keeps recurring,” he said.
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He acknowledged that the Sandakan Town Council has from time to time cleaned up the place but said a long-term solution is what is needed.
Meanwhile, he said holding regular clean-ups would help as well.
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“Some of our elected representatives (YBs) had also expressed their concern and asked contractors responsible to do a better job. However, not much have changed.”
The SIA caretaker President also urged Sandakan residents to be more civic-minded and not treat open spaces, especially the sea, as dumpsites.
“The public must also play a part in keeping our town clean. It is for our own good. People cannot simply throw rubbish anywhere they liked and expect the Sandakan Town Council and other relevant authorities to clean up after them,” he stressed.
He also believed that some of the rubbish are from the nearby islands off Sandakan, one of which is Berhala Island.
“I understand that a significant percentage of the rubbish is washed onto the Sim Sim seaside with the incoming tide. The local authorities must do some brain-storming to find a solution to this problem.
“Maybe they could organise more public campaigns to persuade people to dispose of their rubbish properly. These campaigns should target those living on the nearby islands as well as Sandakan mainland residents,” he suggested.
“Instil into them that irresponsible behaviour will invite terrible consequences. Rats, vermin and insects will make the trash their homes. The spread of dengue could get worse,” warned Taren, pointing out that Sandakan has one of the highest infection rates for dengue.
He also called on the respective elected Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen to continue voicing up local problems to the authorities concerned.
“Voicing up problems is one thing, they must also follow up on the issues by giving feedback and collaborating with the authorities,” he said.
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