By: Zaidul Khair bin Jungkim
SEMPORNA: Sept 17, 2026 – A total of 1.658 tonnes of marine waste was successfully collected over two days through Jetama Sdn Bhd’s Annual Underwater Cleanup Programme in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration.
The programme, running from Sept 15 to 18, 2026, targets the collection of three tonnes of marine waste in waters around Semporna, including Mabul Island.
A total of 15 volunteer divers participated in the programme jointly organised with the Semporna Tourism Association, Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) and Semporna Professional Divers Association (SPDA).
Jetama representative Ag. Ahmad Zaki said the initiative reflects the spirit of shared prosperity in efforts to protect the marine environment.
“This is a Malaysia Day initiative that reflects the spirit of shared responsibility in protecting the marine environment. We have collected 1.658 tonnes of marine waste in the first two days, with another two days to go,” he said.
Jetama targets the collection of 12 tonnes of marine waste a year through its environmental, social and governance (ESG) programme.
Since the programme began in 2024, a total of 36 tonnes of marine waste has been removed from Sabah waters.
Jetama also holds two Malaysia Book of Records records for collecting 2,171 kilogrammes of marine waste in a day, as well as 1,578 kilogrammes of plastic waste in a day.
