TUARAN KICKSTARTS PLASTIC REDUCTION POLICY DISCUSSION
26 August 2025
TUARAN, 26 August — The Tuaran District is taking a bold step toward environmental sustainability with the launch of a collaborative initiative to develop a district-wide plastic reduction policy. Spearheaded by Zero Waste Sabah in partnership with the Tuaran District Office and Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS), this effort marks the beginning of a co-creation process involving a diverse group of stakeholders committed to reducing single-use plastic consumption. The initiative is made possible through the support of the Hasanah Special Grant, a funding programme by Yayasan Hasanah and Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, and Break Free From Plastic, an international movement advocating for a future free from plastic pollution.
The upcoming Town Hall meeting on the 27 August 2025 will bring together key partners including Trash Hero Tuaran, Trash Hero Kota Kinabalu, Reef Check Malaysia, educators and researchers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, local school representatives, and community organizations such as Persatuan Penjaja Lestari Pasar Tuaran. Their shared goal is to co-develop a practical and inclusive plastic reduction policy and implementation strategy for Tuaran, with a target rollout between 2026 and 2027. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the visible impact of plastic pollution across Sabah. From rivers choked with plastic waste to the open burning of waste in remote areas, the environmental toll is evident. The absence of localized plastic reduction policies has allowed the proliferation of single-use plastics in eateries, markets, and retail outlets, exacerbating the problem.
Despite these challenges, community-led successes offer hope. Initiatives such as “Plastic-Free Canteens” at SK Pekan Tuaran Tamparuli and “Zero Waste Events”, have demonstrated the effectiveness of reusable alternatives in significantly reducing waste. These examples highlight the potential of a district-wide policy to institutionalize sustainable practices and promote long-term change.
According to Ruth Yap, Founder of Zero Waste Sabah, today’s Town Hall is designed to foster open dialogue and ideation among stakeholders. Participants will be encouraged to propose actionable measures that can be integrated into the policy or immediately adopted within their respective sectors. Ruth emphasizes the importance of reaching a sustainable and achievable consensus that can be celebrated as a milestone in the next Town Hall, scheduled for 2026.
Policymaking must go hand-in-hand with community-led initiatives. Zero Waste Sabah has been spearheading the effort in Tuaran Market over the past two years and taking it a step further towards higher impact. “Issues like plastic pollution need to be tackled beyond policy and infrastructure, it starts with awareness and community-level action. Yayasan Hasanah is always supportive in bringing this message to the broader public,” said Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Managing Director, Yayasan Hasanah.
According to Datuk Dr. Ts. Ramzah Dambul, CEO of IDS (Sabah), “Improper and uncoordinated waste management practices in Sabah have led to significant challenges that directly impact our development and the well-being of our communities. From persistent flooding caused by clogged drainage systems to the alarming presence of microplastics in our seafood, we are facing the daily consequences of both land and marine pollution,”. Datuk Ramzah added that this townhall marks the beginning of our collective effort to initiate a comprehensive, state-wide waste management policy, one that champions sustainability, protects our environment, and ensures a healthier, more resilient future for all Sabahans.
With strong support from local authorities, civil society, and the Tuaran community, this initiative is poised to reshape plastic use in Sabah and serve as a model for other districts. For more information, please contact Ruth Yap, Founder of Zero Waste Sabah, at 0168292721.
