Liew (middle) 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 Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) 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 a 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 KePKAS Senior Assistant Secretary Dr Dayang Siti Maryam Mohd Hanan, Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar and KiTA Immediate Past President Alexander Yee Kok Tsen.
