As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, Spritzer is proud to collaborate with Reef Check Malaysia on a Waste Management Program at Mantanani Island, Sabah. This initiative aims to improve waste collection and recycling efforts on the island, helping to reduce pollution and protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Together, we are working towards creating a cleaner, healthier environment for both the local community and future generations.
The Mantanani Islands in Sabah is a group of three islands: Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil and Lingisan Island. Located off the coast of Kota Belud, Sabah, Mantanani Island is a popular island destination for travellers from Malaysia and all over the world.
Mantanani was formerly known as Janda Island (“janda” in Malay translates to widow) before the Second World War. The Japanese invasion brought away men from the island for war, leaving most of the women behind. Later on, the island got a different name when a female warrior named Nani always wore a blanket during her fight against the Japanese invasion. There were also tales that Nani tried to hide this island using a blanket from being noticed by the Japanese. The word for blanket in the Bajau Ubian language is “manta”. “Mantanani” is the combination of the tale of Nani and her manta.
Increased tourism and population growth led to a rise in solid waste, especially plastics.
No systematic waste management system in place; much of the rubbish was burned or dumped into the sea, polluting the environment.
Environmental education for locals and tourists about the importance of reducing waste and protecting nature.
Waste is separated into recyclable materials (such as plastic, glass, and
aluminum) and organic waste.
Recyclables such as PET are sent to the mainland for processing.
Food and organic waste are composted for local agricultural use.
Certain plastic waste materials (such as PP and HDPE) are turned into craft products or decorative items to be sold to tourists.
Each pair of part timers will prepare collecting materials before 8am in the morning.
4 pairs (2 person for each pair) will collect daily waste from Kampung Padang.
Collected waste will be transfered to Segregation Area for further sorting and weighing for data purposes.
Plastic trash/general trash will be kept inside the area properly. Food waste will be given to cows or for Kebun Komuniti to use.
Once segregation area is full, our team will arrange a transportation to transport all out to landfill in mainland.
