The Manjung Municipal Council (MPM) has cleaned up 69 tonnes of rubbish washed up by the high tide on the Teluk Batik beach in Manjung, Teluk Nipah beach and Pasir Bogak in Pangkor since Dec 9.

Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Loh Sze Yee said heaps of trash polluting the beaches were washed up by strong waves due to the monsoon season, including the current high tide phenomenon.

'MPM, with the cooperation of the Civil Defence Force, resident associations, Pangkor Island beach boys and contractors collected 29 tonnes of rubbish in Teluk Batik in two days on Dec 9 and Dec 10 using two units of 14-tonnes arm roll and a five-tonne lorry.

'Meanwhile, clean-up works in Teluk Nipah beach and Pasir Bogak in Pangkor Island are ongoing, and so far, 69 tonnes of rubbish have been removed from the three beaches,' he told reporters during his visit to Teluk Batik after receiving complaints about the trash heaps that went viral on social media.

Loh said this was a critical issue, involving the image and safety of many parties, adding that it could also affect visitors' arrival to Teluk Batik and Pangkor Island in conjunction with the Visit Perak Year 2024.

'The washed-up trash pile requires large-scale clean-up efforts and a substantial workforce, involving costs up to RM100,000 for cleaning work that includes contractors and other expenses,' said Loh.

Besides that, he said, MPM would continue with the 'Take Your Rubbish Home' campaign launched in November 2020 to educate visitors and help reduce litter on the beach.

'We must educate and create a positive impact in efforts to preserve tourism products in the Manjung district,' he added.

Meanwhile, MPM secretary Mohd Helmi Arifin said the council had drafted proposals and applied to the Perak government for allocations to enhance its capability and preparedness in facing the high tide phenomenon in the future, including one-off assistance for cleaning operations activities and annual funds.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency