Cintai Mantanani

The waste management programme introduced a couple of years ago has developed very well, with amazing reception from the local community. In mid-May, all wastes weighing around 455.8 kg (except for food waste) were transported out to the mainland. We’ve also made 15 new wire mesh bins for trash collection, to replace the old bins that were damaged by storms. These new bins have been placed in safe spots around the village.

Meanwhile, in mid-June, 36 bundles of compressed plastics weighing 407 kg, as well as metal cans weighing 110 kg, were sent to the mainland and collected by a recycling company (GNC). The company paid RM 120.50 for the plastic bottles and cans, and this money was used to cover the cost of truck transportation from Kota Kinabalu, which is RM120.

One main issue with the waste management programme is the total cost of transporting all the wastes and recyclables to the mainland. One boat trip will cost us RM800 to RM1000. Once at mainland, the truck transportation to the landfill in Kayu Madang could amount to approximately RM120. While this initiative helps us deal with the issue of waste on Mantanani Island, the total costs has proven to be quite taxing for our team. We’re seeking for better solutions in the long run, with regards to the transportation of trash. This includes working with local authorities and the state government. We’d love to hear from you, on any suggestions you may have to offer to help us solve this issue.

One of the boats (lansa) used to send out trash and recyclables

In 2022, our colleagues on the island completed a two-year project, ‘Establishing Community-Based Eco-Tourism in Mantanani’, funded by GEF SGP UNDP Malaysia. One of the program components was the Homestays Improvement Program, where we work closely with homestay operators to improve their homestays’ services and quality. A series of capacity-building trainings, mentoring, and repair grants was distributed to the homestays involved, most of which are run by the local women. These homestays have been doing very well, and their annual income has significantly increased since 2021.

First meeting of the ladies of the homestay programme in 2023

Adzmin from RCM conducting the classroom training

Semporna

In the first quarter of 2023, our colleagues conducted 2 introductory workshops and open water/ advanced open water trainings. The training was part of the year-long Conservation Diving Training program funded by CIMB Foundation, a program designed to train and develop the capacity building and leadership skills among youths from Larapan Island and Mabul Island in marine conservation works particularly on coral reefs. In this last quarter, we followed up an Ecodiver training, involving 15 youths and 5 trainers. This three-day training enables participants to be involved in Reef Check surveys.

Underwater training session to identify indicators

Building frames during the Reef Rehabilitation training programme in Larapan

On the 25th of May 2023, RCM held a Waste Management Awareness Programme at Larapan Island, joined by WWF-Malaysia and Green Semporna. The half-day programme covered topics such as introduction to waste management, the process and current achievements, as well as knowledge on plastic materials. Activities such as quizzes and lucky draws were conducted, as well as a session to hear suggestions and feedback from the representatives of the community.

In June, our colleagues organised a training programme on Reef Rehabilitation in Larapan Island, which aimed to provide knowledge and skills as well as instil a sense of responsibility to protect the reefs around the island. A total of 25 participants and 3 staff from RCM were involved. We hope this training will allow encourage the local islanders to take initiatives and manage their own reefs in the future.

Local community giving feedback during the Waste Management Awareness Programme

Materials to be distributed to the villagers

Kota Kinabalu

In the first quarter of 2023, we kick-started a waste management and recycling programme in Kg. Baru-Baru, Tuaran by organising a clean-up, a workshop and consultation sessions with the local residents. In May, we conducted a second waste management workshop to teach participants how to identify and segregate the types of waste to be collected, and also launch the 3-month trial period of the waste management and recycling program in the village. A total of 100 eager households participated in the first phase of this program. The Kg. Baru Baru Pilot Waste Management is moving towards building a proper waste collection center to allow facilities to be placed in the village, making waste collection more efficient and manageable.