02-07-2025
Coral reef clean-up collects 5kg underwater waste
Majang sounds the air horn to mark the start of the reef clean-up programme. On his left is Abang Arabi.
BINTULU (July 2): A clean-up programme covering the Patricia Reef Seabed offshore here, led by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Bintulu Port Authority (BPA), recorded a total of 5kg of underwater waste.
The exercise on Monday, run under the Coral Reef and Reef Ball for Ecosystem Enhancement and Stewardship (COREEFS) 2025, also involved a number of government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi officiated at the programme kick-off at the Marine Police jetty base, which earlier gathered 62 volunteer divers and boat crew members coming for the seabed clean-up works.
'In this era of rapid development, the importance of marine conservation cannot be overstated. Coral reefs are invaluable natural assets, home to thousands of marine species.
'They support our fishing communities, and serve as key eco-tourism attractions as well,' Majang, who is Samalaju assemblyman, said in his speech.
According to him, the COREEFS project aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which prioritises green economy and sustainable development.
'Today's clean-up is more than just symbolic; it's a proactive step towards marine habitat's restoration, scientific research, environmental education and direct community involvement,' he added.
Majang also said advanced technologies such as seabed mapping, the Geographic Information System (GIS), and reef ball structures were being employed, demonstrating Sarawak's forward-thinking approach to conservation.
'Previous successes like the BEACON Project at Similajau National Park back in 2017, and the eco-marine programme at Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park in 2020, set the stage for this impactful initiative.
'Congratulations to all involved, from the dedicated volunteers and professional divers, to strategic partners and organising agencies. Let us continue to cultivate the love for nature and strive for a greener, cleaner, and more resilient Sarawak.'
Also present were SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran and BPA acting head Capt Zakhir Khan Yusop.
