KUCHING: Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd commemorated Earth Day 2018 and 60th Anniversary of Bako National Park establishment with beach cleaning activities at Telok Assam and Telok Paku located at Bako National Park last Saturday.
Over 100 volunteers gave up their Saturday morning to take part in the activities aimed at highlighting the necessity to conserve biodiversity and create a cleaner environment.
Aligned with the theme of “End Plastic Pollution”, the events saw the cleaning of a 1.6km-long stretch of coastline. Some 440.5 kilos of waste and polluting materials were removed from the adjacent shorelines of Telok Assam Beach and Telok Paku Beach.
According to Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Haji Zolkipli bin Mohamad Aton, high tide brings along a new load of trash and debris every day.
Most of the litter on the beach comes from the surrounding villages close to Muara Tebas and Muara Buntal. “I am delighted to take part in the beach cleaning here at Bako National Park.
This is a beautiful beach and a wonderful amenity for locals and visitors alike so it is vital that we all play our part in protecting it.
“Events like this help raise awareness of the impact of marine litter and the importance of doing all we can to tackle it so that beaches like Telok Assam and Telok Paku can continue to be enjoyed by all. Visitors should also join hands together to upkeep the charm of Bako beaches, “he added.
The park, established in 1957, is located some 37kms off Kuching and faces the expansive South China Sea. Its location is rather secluded and thus, is only accessible via speedboat. However, the park still sees no less than 50,000 visitors every year, particularly from overseas.
