Second marine waste collection vessel launched in Kota Kinabalu

New Straits Times

07-05-2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will use data from collected marine debris to better manage plastic pollution in its waters.
The state capital's second marine waste collection vessel was launched today. The Mobula-8 can collect up to two tonnes of rubbish at a time.
It was donated by Swiss non-governmental organisation The SeaCleaners to the Marine Research Foundation (MRF).
The vessel complements Kota Kinabalu City Hall's (DBKK) skimmer boat launched in January that can collect up to five tonnes of marine debris.
MRF founder Dr Nicholas Pilcher said the Mobula-8 reflects a broader commitment to targeted interventions and collaborative solutions to address marine plastic pollution at its source.
"Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues globally.
"As a major hub for fisheries and tourism, Kota Kinabalu is especially vulnerable to plastic pollution," he said at the launch of Mobula-8 at an island here.
In 2010, Malaysia generated some 0.94 million tonnes of mismanaged plastic waste, of which about 14.9 to 39.4 per cent have entered the ocean.
In 2012, Sabah's recycling rate stood at just 8.6 per cent, with Kota Kinabalu households recycling as little as 4.5 per cent.
He said the Mobula-8 crew would sort and categorise collected waste to support more effective waste management strategies.
"As part of efforts to tackle this challenge, DBKK has introduced a range of initiatives, including banning single-use plastic bags and promoting the recycling of e-waste and used cooking oil.
"The long-term plan is to use the data (from the collected waste) to develop targeted programmes that address those types of waste.
"If it turns out that bottles are our biggest problem and there's less of other things, we can prioritise our efforts in that area."
Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, who officiated the launch of the boat, warned that marine waste threatened not only biodiversity, but also the tourism industry.
"We've seen social media users comment on marine pollution, especially in popular destinations on the East Coast. They say if the waste isn't handled properly, they won't return.
"We don't want that to happen in Kinabalu. We hope to acquire two more skimmer boats before the end of this year."
He said the city planned to engage local authorities and stakeholders to reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Earlier, MRF signed a memorandum of understanding with Gaya Island Resort to formalise a strategic partnership focused on innovation in waste collection, sea turtle conservation and broader environmental protection.