SEMPORNA: The Mabul community here has received a positive response from several resort operators to keep the island clean.
The Mabul Cleanliness Management Committee has conducted a roundtable discussion with the operators of resorts on the island to brainstorm sustainable financing for the effort.
The suggestions, which include monthly financial contributions, had been proposed by the operators of resorts.
"So far, only six out of 15 resorts have communicated back to the village leader. This is the time to make things right and make this happen.
"We need everyone to play their role and render support as much as they can, especially those who have been benefiting from the island. "Together, we can solve these issues," said the village head Mohd Yusuf Jalal in a statement.
For the past three months, the islanders have collected about 20,000 kg of rubbish in three clean-ups.
Recently, the committee organised its fourth island-wide clean-up on Mabul Island.
There was an increase in community participation and support compared with previous clean-ups.
"We are glad to see that the community is becoming more aware of the importance of this effort and the need for collective action to make it happen.
"As a village leader, I want to prove that together we can create a better and improved environment on Mabul Island," Yusuf said.
Due to the high turnout, the villagers managed to collect over 14,000 kg of rubbish.
" We are thankful to the Semporna district council for their logistical support in transporting the litter to the landfill.
"Several individuals, including those from Semporna Aqua Planet and Makatagih Travel, also shared the cost to hire another boat, as we needed at least two large traditional boats to transport the rubbish."