MTA, ETIQA Drive Marine Conservation Through ‘Ghost Net & Beach Cleanup’ Campaign In Perak

LUMUT, July 19 (Bernama) -- The ‘Ghost Net & Beach Cleanup’ campaign held around Teluk Nipah, Pulau Pangkor, and the waters of Pulau Sembilan has successfully raised public awareness of the dangers of abandoned fishing nets to marine life while contributing to the preservation of the marine ecosystem.

The initiative, organised by the Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) in collaboration with Etiqa General Takaful Berhad and supported by the Nature Ocean Advocate Society (NOAS), Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) and the Perak State Parks Corporation, involved over 80 volunteers, including 50 students, 12 certified divers, 11 NOAS professional divers and representatives from relevant agencies.

MTA chief executive officer Mohd Radzuan Mohamed said the campaign was aimed at raising public awareness on the importance of preserving the environment, particularly the marine ecosystem, which was under growing threat due to pollution.

“This campaign reflects the Takaful industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability, in line with the Hijrah27 Transformation Plan under Strategic Thrust 8 (Sustainability & ESG), as part of efforts to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, which emphasises the conservation of marine resources.

“As a value-based industry, the Takaful sector not only protects people but also the environment. We hope this initiative will inspire more parties to incorporate sustainability into their operations,” he said when met by Bernama here today.

Also present at the programme were Etiqa General Takaful Berhad chief executive officer Shahrul Azuan Mohamed, USAS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Wan Sabri Wan Yusof and USAS deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Industry Networking) Prof Dr Shamsul Jamili Yeop.

Mohd Radzuan said MTA, in collaboration with its strategic partners, would continue the conservation programme at other locations as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

He said the programme, which was a continuation of the 'Echoes of the Deep' photo exhibition launched at the AICB Knowledge Centre in Kuala Lumpur last month, had successfully removed 328 kilogrammes (kg) of ghost nets from the seabed off Pulau Sembilan.

He added that more than 125 kg of rubbish, including food and drink packaging and discarded items, were collected along a one-kilometre (km) stretch of Teluk Nipah beach.

Ghost nets refer to abandoned or lost fishing nets that remain in the sea, continuing to trap marine life such as turtles and fish while causing serious damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Shahrul Azuan said that in line with Etiqa General Takaful Berhad's vision of ‘Making the World a Better Place’, its commitment to environmental sustainability was demonstrated through meaningful actions, not just words.

“We are proud to lead this initiative, particularly in Pulau Sembilan and Teluk Nipah, as part of our commitment to being at the forefront of marine conservation in the Takaful industry.

“The sea has long been a source of sustenance for our community. Now is the time for us to protect it for future generations. Since 2022, Etiqa has been actively championing marine conservation through three Marine Conservation Projects with marine experts.

“From coral reef health monitoring and educational workshops to community outreach programmes, we are sparking waves of change in areas in need,” he said.

Wan Sabri described the students’ participation as a valuable learning experience that integrated science, education and social responsibility.

He said such programmes were important, as they provided hands-on experience while educating the younger generation about the impact of plastic waste and ghost nets on marine ecosystems.

“Beach cleaning is not just about collecting rubbish but also about educating the community, especially the younger generation, on the impact of plastic waste and ghost nets on marine ecosystems,” he said.

--BERNAMA