Cover image via Aquila Chu (Facebook)
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A video showing trash-filled waters off Semporna, Sabah, has brought attention to a long-standing pollution problem in the coastal town
Shared on Facebook by scuba diving instructor Aquila Chu, the video shows heaps of plastic bottles, containers, and other waste floating across the sea surface — so dense that the water itself is barely visible.
"Visiting Semporna? Go direct to the islands if you do not want to see this part of town," he wrote in the caption.
The video has since sparked concern among Malaysians on social media.
Speaking to SAYS, Chu said he posted the video to raise awareness about the worsening situation
"I pass by that water village every time I go to work, and it is only a small part of the bigger picture. That whole village stretches more than 2km along the coast of Semporna town, and it is all covered in trash. It has been like this for many years, and it is getting worse," he said.
He pointed out a main reason for the pollution is the lack of proper rubbish collection and disposal systems for residents of the water villages
"The more people living on the sea, the more trash — simply because there is no proper garbage collection. And it does not help that many of them are undocumented, which makes the situation harder to manage. What you see floating is only the plastic on the surface. There is much more below," he added.
Beyond the sight, Chu said the smell is also unpleasant.
"The trash is carried by waves and currents along the channel and eventually out to sea. Some of it gets trapped along the coast, where it rots beneath stilt houses and jetties," he explained.
As a diving instructor, he said he often feels disheartened when teaching in the waters around Semporna due to the amount of rubbish in the sea
"I have seen all kinds of things underwater — plastic wrappers, old televisions, even children's toys. It is all down there," he said.
Chu added that many locals are frustrated and want authorities to take action
"They hope the authorities will carry out daily sea clean-ups. They know it is not a long-term solution, but maintenance work is necessary. Just like city council workers sweep the streets every day, shouldn't we have the same care for the sea?" he asked.
Chu expressed hope that the authorities will acknowledge and address the issue before it worsens further.
