KOTA KINABALU, Oct 9 — Parti Warisan (Warisan) president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has hit back at remarks made by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who recently urged the Semporna MP to address public cleanliness in his constituency after a viral video labelled Semporna “the dirtiest in Asia”.
Shafie, who is also the former Sabah Chief Minister, stressed that Semporna had been among the cleanest towns in the state during the Warisan-led administration.
“I often went to the ground to monitor Semporna. In fact, during Warisan’s administration in Sabah, Semporna was one of the cleanest,” he said during a press conference after welcoming 12 former district and assistant district officers into Warisan today.
The viral video, posted on TikTok by travel vlogger Backpacker Ben, showed a coastal water village strewn with floating rubbish, prompting criticism over local waste management. The vlogger also noted the stench and lack of public dustbins in the area.
However, Shafie questioned Nga’s understanding of the roles and responsibilities in waste management, suggesting that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities.
“I want to ask Nga as an MP and also a minister, is it his responsibility to ensure the cleanliness of roads and drains?
“Right now, there is a district officer (DO) and a district council in Semporna. They are the ones responsible because the government pays salaries to the workers. Surely it’s not my job to go around picking up trash,” he added.
Shafie further explained that while he has always advised local agencies to prioritise cleanliness, there needs to be better cooperation between the federal and state governments, rather than turning the issue into political fodder.
“Why don’t you work with your local partner here? Joachim is also the local government minister, ask him to go to the ground. He is the local government minister for Sabah, not only for Ranau but also for Semporna,” he said.
He was referring to Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who also held the post of Local Government and Housing Minister before the dissolution of Sabah Legislative Assembly on Oct 6.
“Why embarrass Sabah when a tourist notices these things? You think Pulau Gaya is not dirty? Sandakan, Batu Sapi not dirty? I have been to many places, so don’t use that to gain political support,” he said.
Shafie questioned whether Nga’s comments were part of a broader political tactic ahead of the next state election, and said he would raise the matter in Parliament.
“I will ask him in Parliament later, is that your role?” he said. Shafie is expected to attend Parliamentary session on Friday.
He also highlighted the importance of returning tourism revenue and related taxes to the local communities to support essential services such as waste management and public hygiene.
“What is important here is that whatever happens, there is already a well-structured system. We have the district council, the administration and there are allocations,” Shafie said.
Meanwhile, former Semporna district officer (DO) Bianus Kontong — who served during the Warisan administration and among those who officially joined Warisan today — revealed that during Warisan’s time in power, the administration had launched a comprehensive cleanliness initiative dubbed ‘Sabah Bebas Sampah’ (SPS), which he said yielded swift and tangible results.
“What we did during the Warisan administration was implement the SPS. We had a team carry out cleaning after advocacy. it was completed within two months.
“We also ran awareness campaigns. Those who littered had to wear a vest that said ‘Saya Monyet’ while picking up trash, or they were fined RM50,” he said.
He explained that Semporna’s geographical location makes it susceptible to rubbish entering through the sea, where it becomes trapped.
During Warisan’s term, the state government had purchased a skimmer boat to clean the waters, as well as an accelerator boat to compress rubbish for easier disposal.
“That’s why we bought a skimmer boat to collect trash, and there was also an accelerator. Once the trash went in, it would be reduced to just 2kg.
“But now, we don’t know whether that system is still being used or not,” he added.
Apart from Bianus, 11 other former civil servants who officially joined Warisan today are Arnold Joibi (former District Officer of Kota Marudu and President of Tawau Municipal Council), Jasli Tindi (former Assistant District Officer of Kemabong and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Native Affairs Sabah), Dr Haji Andul and Mohd Shaid Othman (former Beaufort DO), Moktar Husni (former Putatan DO), George Kandawo (former Sook ADO), Ranching Amni (former Nabawan ADO), Sukiang Ensing (former Pagalungan Nabawan ADO), Peter Beaty (Lahad Datu ADO), Salehuddin Tahir (former Tambunan ADO), and Edward Bungsu (former Putatan ADO).
According to Shafie, their entry into Warisan at this time is a show of support for the party to act as a unifier for Sabahans, to ensure a united voice in demanding better development, as the five years given to the current government have not solved the people’s basic needs. — The Borneo Post
