Extensive, sustainable cleanliness plan for Semporna on the cards

KOTA KINABALU: Semporna’s ongoing issues regarding cleanliness will be addressed through a comprehensive plan. Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Joachim Gunsalam emphasized the need for an inclusive plan to maintain cleanliness in the district both in the short and long term. Dr Gunsalam, who also serves as the state Local Government and Housing Minister, stated that he will meet with Semporna district officials to establish a more sustainable and comprehensive direction (The Star, 2023).

As an immediate measure, Dr Gunsalam has instructed the Semporna district office to take action on cleanliness and food hygiene after receiving warnings from Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Tiong stated that red notices may be issued to operators who do not prioritize cleanliness, following complaints from tourists about the town’s dirty conditions and lack of hygiene (The Star, 2023).

Dr Gunsalam stated, “The district office has been asked to act as soon as possible. I understand it is aware of the cleanliness aspect of which it is trying to overcome” (The Star, 2023).

Over time, complaints regarding poor and unhygienic conditions have been raised, particularly by tourists traveling from Semporna town to popular diving destinations like Pulau Sipadan. Tiong’s warning further heightened concerns about the district’s cleanliness (The Star, 2023).

A dialogue was held on August 21 between Semporna district officer Alexander Liew and stakeholders in the tourism, resort, hotel, homestay, and food handling sectors. The aim of the dialogue was to emphasize the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in operating facilities and handling food. Participants were reminded that non-compliance with regulations would result in actions being taken under local council and health laws (The Star, 2023).

A comprehensive and sustainable plan will be developed to address Semporna’s cleanliness issues, according to Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Joachim Gunsalam. The plan aims to maintain cleanliness in the district in both the short and long term. A meeting with Semporna district officials will be held to establish the direction of this plan (The Star, 2023).

Dr Gunsalam has instructed the Semporna district office to take immediate action on cleanliness and food hygiene in response to warnings from Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The minister has threatened to issue red notices to operators who fail to prioritize cleanliness, following complaints from tourists about the town’s dirty conditions and lack of hygiene (The Star, 2023).

Efforts are already being made by the district office to address cleanliness issues, and they are aware of the challenges they face in this regard (The Star, 2023).

Complaints about poor and unhygienic conditions have been consistently raised by both local and foreign tourists, particularly those heading to popular diving spots such as Pulau Sipadan. Tiong’s red notice warning has further highlighted the importance of tackling cleanliness issues in Semporna (The Star, 2023).

A dialogue held on August 21 involving Alexander Liew, the Semporna district officer, and stakeholders from the tourism, resort, hotel, homestay, and food handling sectors aimed to remind participants of the need for cleanliness and hygiene when operating facilities and handling food. Those who do not comply with regulations will face legal actions enforced by local councils and health laws (The Star, 2023).