Foster launches fifth beach-cleaning programme on Pulau Libaran

SANDAKAN: Friends of Sea Turtles Education & Research (Foster) successfully launched its fifth community beach-cleaning programme on Pulau Libaran near here last Saturday.

Its President, Alexander Yee in a statement here yesterday said this year, the programme was sponsored by tourism operators and a Bursa Malaysia listed property company.

“I am glad that we have been able to carry out this worthwhile project for five consecutive years.

“This project is important as it involves the villagers of Libaran and it signifies that the local community plays an important role in the success of the turtle conservation project on this island,” he said.

Yee said the one kilometer shoreline is divided into 10 lots (100 metre per lot) for organisations to adopt, with an adoption fund of RM100 per lot per month, which Foster disperses to the villagers.

He also said Foster plans to set up a homestay programme in the village this year and continue to work with the villagers in conserving the natural environment and the sea turtles on the island, hence, benefitting the villagers from tourism receipts.

Newly appointed village head of Kampung Pulau Libaran, Ramlee Kahar welcomed the beach-cleaning programme by Foster, which not only ensures the cleanliness of the beach, but also generates income to the villagers.