Eco group proposes village waste centres in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah-based eco-tourism group seeks government support for a village clean-up and environmental education programme in Kinabatangan, one of the state's richest biodiversity hotspots.
The Kinabatangan-Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association (KiTA) proposes a three-part initiative. This includes constructing new waste disposal centres in Kampung Bilit and Kampung Sukau and a community river-cleaning awareness campaign.
KiTA president Johnny Lim said the initiative aims to tackle pressing waste management issues and improve environmental stewardship in the region.
"We hope the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) will support this effort through a matching grant. The programme is not just about infrastructure. It is about educating the community on proper waste disposal and river conservation."
"Cleaner rivers and villages benefit residents and help sustain eco-tourism in the long run," he said after presenting the proposal to Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew during a recent courtesy visit.
Lim noted that the existing waste disposal centre in Kampung Bilit, built by KiTA in 2015, has become rundown and now undermines both the local environment and tourism appeal.
"We propose to build a new facility near the current site, working with local authorities to ensure regular waste collection," he said.
Liew welcomed the initiative, calling it a meaningful step towards protecting Kinabatangan's natural assets while strengthening community participation in conservation.
"The Ministry will consider the application. We appreciate KiTA's dedication to environmental sustainability, especially in areas critical to eco-tourism like Kinabatangan," she said.
Also present at the meeting were KePKAS senior assistant secretary Dr Dayang Siti Maryam Mohd Hanan, Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, and KiTA's immediate past president, Alexander Yee Kok Tsen.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sabah starts preparation for ASEAN Travel Exchange
Tan (standing at right) briefing Liew (seated at left) on ATE 2025. KOTA KINABALU (June 3): Preparations are underway for Sabah to host the two-day ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATE) 2025 this month, says Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew. ATE 2025 is a premier Business 2 Business (B2B) networking event in Sabah, connecting travel trade sellers and regional buyers to foster partnerships and collaborations on June 19 and 20. The minister said the State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) will host this inaugural mega tourism event at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has been invited to officiate at the opening ceremony on June 19. Liew said KePKAS supports the proposal for four organisations to establish strategic partnership with Sabah Tourism Board (STB) in organising ATE 2025. They are the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA), Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) and AirAsia Group. ASEAN has 10 member countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. For ATE 2025, the target audience will be made up of tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, homestay operators, product owners and decision-makers from the industry stakeholders. 'As we gear up for the upcoming event, I have been informed by the president of FATA (Datuk Tan Kok Liang) that 354 delegates from 17 countries have already confirmed their participation. They comprise 125 sellers and 229 buyers,' said Liew after a courtesy call by a delegation from the organisers, recently. According to Tan, seller countries include Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei and Cambodia, with Malaysia leading the list with 88 sellers. 'On the buyers' side, top participating countries include the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Thailand. This strong regional presence underscores growing international interest in Malaysia's tourism offerings, particularly in Sabah, which continues to gain traction as a vibrant and strategic tourism hub in the region,' he said in his briefing for the minister. Also present were the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, President of MATTA Nigel Wong, Chairman of MATTA Sabah Mohd Azlan Saleh, and Immediate Past Chairman of MATTA Sabah, Lawrence Chin.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Eco group proposes village waste centres in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah-based eco-tourism group seeks government support for a village clean-up and environmental education programme in Kinabatangan, one of the state's richest biodiversity hotspots. The Kinabatangan-Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association (KiTA) proposes a three-part initiative. This includes constructing new waste disposal centres in Kampung Bilit and Kampung Sukau and a community river-cleaning awareness campaign. KiTA president Johnny Lim said the initiative aims to tackle pressing waste management issues and improve environmental stewardship in the region. "We hope the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) will support this effort through a matching grant. The programme is not just about infrastructure. It is about educating the community on proper waste disposal and river conservation." "Cleaner rivers and villages benefit residents and help sustain eco-tourism in the long run," he said after presenting the proposal to Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew during a recent courtesy visit. Lim noted that the existing waste disposal centre in Kampung Bilit, built by KiTA in 2015, has become rundown and now undermines both the local environment and tourism appeal. "We propose to build a new facility near the current site, working with local authorities to ensure regular waste collection," he said. Liew welcomed the initiative, calling it a meaningful step towards protecting Kinabatangan's natural assets while strengthening community participation in conservation. "The Ministry will consider the application. We appreciate KiTA's dedication to environmental sustainability, especially in areas critical to eco-tourism like Kinabatangan," she said. Also present at the meeting were KePKAS senior assistant secretary Dr Dayang Siti Maryam Mohd Hanan, Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, and KiTA's immediate past president, Alexander Yee Kok Tsen.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
5 must-try Gawai and Kaamatan dishes you can enjoy in KL
Have an authentic Sabahan and Sarawakian feast during this year's Hari Kaamatan and Hari Gawai. (Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : As May draws to a close, two of Malaysia's most vibrant cultural festivals take centre stage – As May draws to a close, two of Malaysia's most vibrant cultural festivals take centre stage – Kaamatan in Sabah (May 30–31) and Hari Gawai in Sarawak (June 1–2). These harvest celebrations aren't just about rituals, music, and merrymaking – they're also a time for feasting on traditional dishes that are rarely found outside of East Malaysia. But don't worry if you're stuck in KL! You don't have to book a flight to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching to enjoy the earthy, bold, and soulful flavours of Borneo. From zesty raw fish salads to bamboo-cooked meats, here's your cheat sheet to five must-try Gawai and Kaamatan dishes – plus exactly where you can get your hands on them without leaving the Klang Valley. 1. Hinava Hinava is Sabah's bright and bold raw fish salad. (Unilever Food Solutions pic) Think of hinava as Sabah's answer to ceviche – but with a spicy kick and a whole lot of character. This Kadazan-Dusun classic features raw mackerel (or sometimes tenggiri) marinated in fresh lime juice, finely sliced shallots, bird's eye chillies, and sliced ginger. Some versions also toss in grated bambangan seed (from a wild mango) for extra punch. Hinava is tangy, fiery, and refreshing – perfect as an appetiser or a palate cleanser between richer dishes. Try it at D'Tungkus Takanon Sabahan Cafe in Kota Kemuning. 2. Kolo Mee (NON-HALAL) Kolo Mee consists of springy egg noodles tossed in a savoury sauce and topped with minced meat and char siu. (Ikan Mas pic) You can't say you have experienced the full Sarawakian culinary experience until you have tasted the kolo mee, the quintessential comfort food of Sarawak. Indeed, Sarawakians will tell you that no matter how fancy the feast, there's always room for kolo mee. These springy egg noodles are tossed in a light, savoury sauce (no soy!), topped with minced meat, char siu, and sometimes spring onions or pickled vegetables. It's quick, it's tasty, and it's pure nostalgia in a bowl for anyone from Kuching. It's also non-halal. Mama Ting Sarawak Noodle in SS2, PJ is a firm favourite among East Malaysians living in KL. 3. Ayam Pansuh The ayam pansuh is a Sarawakian delicacy infused with the aroma of bamboo. (Ikan Mas pic) Hailing from the Iban and Bidayuh communities of Sarawak, ayam pansuh is chicken slow-cooked inside bamboo stalks, sealed with tapioca leaves and seasoned with lemongrass, torch ginger, and tapioca shoots. The bamboo traps all the moisture and aroma, infusing the meat with an earthy, smoky fragrance you can't replicate in a pot. Rich, aromatic, and incredibly tender. Kafe Sarawak in Ampang serves a lovely version of ayam pansuh alongside other Iban and Sarawakian specialties. 4. Sarawak Laksa The richly-flavoured Sarawak Laksa is one of the highlights at Slurrp. (Muhaimin Marwan@FMT Lifestyle) This isn't your typical laksa. Sarawak laksa is made with a special spice paste that includes sambal belacan, galangal, and lemongrass, blended with coconut milk for a rich yet balanced broth. Served with rice vermicelli, shredded chicken, prawns, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime – it's a bowl that warms the soul. It's such a beloved dish that the late celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain once called it 'breakfast of the gods'. Slurrp in PJ has built a loyal following for its authentic Sarawak laksa. 5. Tuaran Mee (NON-HALAL) Tuaran Mee is tossed with local Chinese rice wine, vegetables, and slices of barbecued pork or sausage. (Taste Atlas pic) Hailing from the town of Tuaran near Kota Kinabalu, this dish features yellow egg noodles that are pan-fried until they're both chewy and crispy. Tuaran Mee is often tossed with local Chinese rice wine, vegetables, and slices of barbecued pork or sausage. It's smoky, eggy, and addictive – perfect for anyone who loves wok hei. SugarBun Borneo Asian Food at Menara Hup Seng brings this Sabahan specialty to life with great authenticity.
