Garbage Piles in Lahad Datu and Tanjung Aru Pose Health and Environmental Risks
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Integrated Pest Management Association (SIPMA) has expressed concern over the increasingly acute public hygiene issues in several hotspots in Sabah, including the Darvel Bay Plaza area in Lahad Datu and Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu.
The poorly managed garbage piles not only pollute the landscape but also invite various health, safety and environmental risks.
Garbage dumped everywhere can increase the population of pests such as rats, cockroaches and flies that spread diseases.
More worryingly, this waste, especially plastic and polystyrene, often clogs drains, resulting in stagnant water; ideal conditions for the breeding of Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry diseases such as dengue and malaria.
“This problem not only increases the risk of disease but can also cause flash floods during heavy rains and pollute rivers and coastal areas when garbage is washed away,” explained Mervin Liew, Chairman of SIPMA.
“Ultimately, it negatively impacts the environment, local businesses and Sabah’s tourism sector.”
SIPMA stressed that preventive measures must start from the community itself. Environmental cleanliness is not solely the responsibility of local authorities but a comprehensive collaboration between residents, traders, visitors and relevant agencies.
“We call on all parties to take an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of their respective areas. A clean environment not only prevents pests and diseases but also reflects the values of a responsible and progressive society,” he added.
SIPMA also supports any awareness programmes, public education, cleanliness campaigns and cross-agency collaboration to create sustainable and high-impact collective action.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Sabah Integrated Pest Management Association (SIPMA)
Email: sipma.sabah@gmail.com
FB: facebook.com/sipma.sabah
