Kota Kinabalu: WWF-Malaysia calls upon the new state government administration to quickly handle matters regarding the long disputed future of Tanjung Aru beach and strongly urges the newly elected government to scrap the controversial Tanjung Aru Eco-Development (TAED) project, which has received many objections from the general public about its impact on the environment.

The controversies surrounding the project include the loss of public access of the beach, a sudden increase in traffic flow and the massive reclamation of 226ha, extending 3km outward to the sea. 

According to published sources, sand for the reclamation of the existing beach will be brought in from elsewhere and transported to the project site putting a risk on the coral reefs and aquatic life. 

“We have always maintained that the root cause of the water pollution along the beach front cannot be solved by the new development but to be addressed beyond the project site,” said Dr John Tay who heads the WWF-Malaysia office in Sabah. 

He also added that it is urgent now to restore Tanjung Aru beach to its former glory, which the public can enjoy.

“We must also find a long-term solution to prevent residential and industrial discharges to the beach,” said Dr John Tay. 
 
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For more information, please contact:
Sabrina Melisa Aripen
Communications Officer, Sabah Office, WWF-Malaysia
Tel: +6088 262420 
Email: saripen@wwf.org.my