PULAU TIOMAN - The International Microplastic Beach Clean Up Program, IMBC@Tioman 2023, took place from 6^th to 20^th of September 2023, both online and physically in Kampung Tekek, Pulau Tioman, Pahang. Organized by the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Analytical Sciences (ANALIS) and supported by 14 strategic partners and 19 sponsors.

 

IMBC is a volunteer-based program conceived by Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap, the Program Chair, alongside Associate Prof. Dr. Norizah Abdul Rahman and Dr. Mohd Haniff Wahid, all lecturers in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

 

The primary objective of IMBC is to address the escalating environmental pollution issues, particularly those involving microplastics, solid waste, chemicals, and organic residues. On Pulau Tioman alone, pollution from microplastics in various forms and colours has dominated 78% of the total pollution.

 

Focusing on shoreline cleanup as the main agenda, several other programs were conducted, including online webinars, an Innovation Challenge, and a Forensic Science Exhibition by the Malaysian Department of Chemistry (JKM) in Pahang. Additionally, food donations were provided to 30 selected families around Pulau Tioman. Notably, the program involved students, with three high schools and kindergarten children, totalling 80 participants.

 

A total of 313 individuals from within and outside the country participated in the coastal cleanup efforts around Tekak Beach, successfully collecting 116 kilograms of waste and 571 cigarette butts, with an additional 50 kilograms at Monkey Bay. Environmental conservation efforts also included the removal of Crown of Thorn Starfish led by 15 skilled divers.

 

The collective concern in addressing pollution issues yielded results as IMBC@Tioman 2023 successfully raised funds through cash and other contributions from strategic partners and sponsors, both domestic and international. This indirectly reflects the collective commitment of all parties in addressing environmental issues through waste management promotions by responsible authorities towards raising awareness among the public.