Latest news with #KiTA
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Matching grant sought for eco-friendly waste facilities
Published on: Monday, June 02, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 02, 2025 Text Size: Liew (centre) with from left : Mohd Soffian, Dr Siti Maryam, Lim and Yee. Kota Kinabalu: Kinabatangan-Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association, Sabah (KiTA) is seeking a matching grant from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment for proper waste management and river cleaning initiatives at two villages in the Kinabatangan area. During a recent courtesy call on its Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, President of KiTA Johnny Lim presented an application for the matching grant for the Ministry's consideration. She noted that KiTA's undertaking to put up a new waste disposal centre at Kg Bilit and Kg Sukau is an important environmental initiative aimed at protecting the environment and enhancing eco-tourism sustainability in the Kinabatangan area. In his briefing, Lim said the proposed project involves three key components, namely construction of the village waste disposal centre at Kg Bilit, building a similar one at Kg Sukau, and river cleaning awareness programme to educate the communities. 'We (KiTA) hope the Ministry will support our ongoing community-based environmental awareness programme in Kinabatangan for the long-term benefit of both the local community and eco-tourism development in the region. 'And we need a matching grant for the proposed project to ensure its successful implementation,' he said, adding that KiTA is a non-profit organisation. According to Lim, the original waste disposal centre at Kampung Bilit was built by KiTA in September 2015. He said this facility played a vital role in raising awareness among the local community on the importance of village and river cleanliness as well as environmental protection. 'However, after several years, the waste disposal centre there has deteriorated and is now negatively impacting the local environment and tourism appeal,' he lamented. 'We propose to build a new one close to the existing site, with regular garbage collection by the local authority.' Also present were ministry Senior Assistant Secretary Dr Dayang Siti Maryam Mohd Hanan, Director of Sabah Wildlife Department Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar and Immediate Past President of KiTA Alexander Yee Kok Tsen. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
4 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.
Daily Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
KiTA reaffirms commitment to sustainable tourism in Kinabatangan
KiTA reaffirms commitment to sustainable tourism in Kinabatangan KINABATANGAN: The Kinabatangan Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association (KiTA) has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing sustainable tourism and conservation efforts in the Kinabatangan region, following the successful conclusion of its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 35th Executive Committee (Exco) Meeting. The meetings, which brought together key stakeholders from across the tourism sector, provided an opportunity to reflect on the association's progress and map out future initiatives aimed at preserving one of Sabah's most ecologically significant areas. Advertisement A key highlight of the event was the announcement of KiTA's new leadership for the 2025–2026 term. Lim Tsung, better known as Johnny, has been elected President, taking over from Alexander Yee Kok Tsen, who will now serve as Immediate Past President. SPONSORED CONTENT The incoming committee also includes Rory Lewis McKenzie (Deputy President), Amy Chin (Treasurer), Sulinah Tan (Secretary), and committee members Fernando R. and Yanti Awang. In his address to members, Johnny expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals. Advertisement 'I am truly thankful for the opportunity to serve. I believe that with teamwork and a shared vision, we can achieve great things for Kinabatangan,' he said. Among the initiatives planned under the new leadership is a river clean-up project involving local communities, aimed at strengthening environmental stewardship and promoting eco-conscious tourism. Advertisement 'This is just one of several community-driven efforts we're planning to implement to protect our natural resources while supporting the local economy,' Johnny added. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of his predecessor, praising Alexander for his strong leadership and continued support. 'On behalf of KiTA, I would like to thank Alexander for setting the direction and for his steadfast leadership. We're grateful that he will remain actively involved as our Immediate Past President.' The AGM also focused on strengthening stakeholder engagement. Members resolved to conduct courtesy visits to relevant government agencies to explore potential partnerships in support of conservation, tourism development, and community empowerment across the Kinabatangan region. As it moves forward, KiTA remains committed to serving as a collaborative platform that brings together tourism operators, local communities, and environmental advocates to promote Kinabatangan as a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Sabah.
