KOTA KINABALU: April 27, 2026
The Sabah government has been urged to take immediate and coordinated action to address pollution affecting Tanjung Aru beach, amid concerns over its impact on the state’s tourism image.
Tanjung Aru Assemblyman Datuk Wong Hong Jun said complaints of polluted water flowing into the sea were damaging environmental quality at the popular beachfront.
“This issue involves several government departments and agencies and requires a holistic, integrated and effective solution from the government to address sewage overflow and wastewater discharge into Tanjung Aru beach,” he said when debating the Sabah government policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Wong said he would continue to work closely with relevant agencies to resolve environmental concerns in the area, stressing that cleanliness and sustainability were essential to maintaining Sabah’s tourism appeal.
He also highlighted persistent traffic congestion at Tanjung Aru beach, saying increasing visitor numbers during weekends, holidays and festive seasons had worsened accessibility and affected both residents and emergency response routes.
He proposed a systematic traffic management plan, including one-way routes and designated parking zones, the construction of multi-storey or centralised parking facilities, and improved public transport services to reduce dependence on private vehicles.
