MIRI: In a heartfelt plea, the Miri City Caring Society (MCCS) has called on residents, stakeholders, and organisations here to come together and resolve the alarming accumulation of plastic waste at Marina Beach.
The pristine coastline, stretching approximately one kilometre, has been marred by an overwhelming volume of plastic bottles and other debris.
Last Saturday (Feb 15), MCCS initiated a beach clean-up, demonstrating the urgent need for action.
A dedicated team of just 10 volunteers managed to collect a staggering 50 sacks of plastic waste — equating to around 500kg — in a single hour.
The organisation’s chairman, Karambir Singh, expressed shock at the extent of the pollution, describing the scene as a “sea of plastic waste”.
“This is our small contribution towards preserving the beauty and health of our coastline,” Karambir remarked. “We are deeply grateful to the volunteers whose efforts are inspiring, but much more remains to be done to restore and maintain the beach’s natural beauty.”
The MCCS emphasised that keeping Marina Beach and other coastal areas clean requires a collective effort.
Residents have been urged to avoid improper waste disposal, as plastic pollution, including microplastics, poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health by entering the food chain.
Miri’s beaches, including Marina Beach and the picturesque Miri Central Park, are considered gems of Sarawak.
Marina Beach, developed as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative by Pantai Bayu Indah Sdn Bhd, remains a vital recreational area for the local community.
MCCS has called for increased participation from individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and corporations in organising regular clean-up events.
Additionally, it urged government agencies to take more robust, sustainable measures to address environmental degradation, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
“This issue demands committed action from all — individuals, the community, and government agencies alike,” Karambir said. “Together, we can make a lasting impact and protect our environment for future generations.”
Since its establishment in 2009, MCCS has been actively working to improve Miri’s socio-environmental landscape.
Beyond environmental awareness campaigns, the organisation supports orphans, the homeless, and low-income groups, striving to create a better, cleaner, and more sustainable city.
Through collective efforts, Miri has the potential to preserve its natural beauty and strengthen its reputation as a caring, environmentally conscious community.
