A massive 1.4 tonnes of garbage were collected by 200 volunteers across two kilometres (km) of shoreline at Jerudong Beach during Brunei Gas Carrier’s (BGC) ninth International Coastal Clean-Up campaign yesterday.
BGC Managing Director Captain Abdul Mateen bin Abdurrahman Liew said, “Coastal areas play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, providing livelihood and offering recreational spaces for communities worldwide. Unfortunately, these environments face numerous challenges, including pollution and marine debris. It is up to us to take responsibility and work together to ensure the longevity and vitality of our coastline for future generations.“
Captain Abdul Mateen noted the impact of their actions can have, raising awareness and inspiring change to make a tangible difference not only in the lives of marine species but also in their own lives as well as the communities’.
Environmental protection, he stressed “is everyone’s responsibility”. “We are committed to playing our part in sustaining our environment for the coming generations.”
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Transport) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) Haji Mohammad Salihin bin Haji Aspar attended the event, which is part of BGC’s social investment initiative, ‘Clean Rivers, Clean Seas’ to create awareness and promote environmental conservation in conjunction of World Maritime Day on September 28.
BGC employees and families, representatives of the Jerudong community, government agencies, institutions and schools also participated.
BGC said it is committed to raise awareness on the devastating effects of marine debris and hopes to inspire others to take action and protect the environment for future generations. – James Kon
