Kedah Umno dismayed over sorry state of Tanjung Dawai beach
Its information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said the beach was now strewn with marine debris, casting doubt over the effectiveness of the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign.
"What is the point of launching a tourism campaign if iconic destinations like Tanjung Dawai are left in such a polluted state?" he said in a statement today.
He said Tanjung Dawai beach was not only known for its tourism appeal, but also served as a lifeline for local communities, including fishermen, small traders and homestay operators, who were now affected by the worsening waste problem.
Shaiful took aim at Merbok member of parliament Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan and Tanjung Dawai assemblyman Hanif Ghazali, claiming that they appeared indifferent to the state's tourism agenda.
"Where are they when it comes to defending the dignity of their own constituency? Have they made any effort to push for urgent action from the local authorities and the state government?" he said.
Commenting further, Shaiful urged the state government and relevant agencies not to rely solely on catchy tourism slogans while failing to address basic issues such as environmental cleanliness and lack of tourist infrastructure.
"The people demand answers and immediate action," he said.
The New Straits Times had contacted both Nazri and Hanif but yet to receive a response.
Once known for its white sands, Tanjung Dawai beach now saw fewer visitors. Despite twice-weekly clean-ups by the Sungai Petani Municipal Council since July last year, rubbish and debris continue to wash ashore and pollute the beach.
Non-governmental organisations, government bodies and student volunteers had pitched in to clean up the area, but their efforts were short-lived.
Some locals had suggested installing garbage traps or a sea wall, but these might pose financial and other environmental challenges.
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