PLASTIC POLLUTION AT PUBLIC BEACHES: A CASE STUDY IN TELUK LIKAS, KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6i6.951Keywords:
coastal marine, plastic waste, sea pollution, Kota Kinabalu, SabahAbstract
Human activities (urbanisation, tourism, fishing) and marine transport via rivers and currents are primary sources of beach plastics. A deeper examination of land-based management failures, such as collection inefficiencies or illegal dumping, has become a main factor in waste deposition in beach spaces. This study investigated plastic pollution at Teluk Likas Beach in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, to inform the development of a sustainable, eco-friendly waste management system. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design integrated quantitative transect sampling and structured visitor surveys with qualitative semi-structured interviews of local authorities and environmental NGOs, as well as non-participant observations of beachgoer behaviour. Results showed that polyethene terephthalate (PET) (34%), high-density polyethene (HDPE) (24%), and polypropylene (PP) (17%) are the most prevalent plastics in the debris profile. Visitor surveys confirmed that single-use beverage containers and disposable food packaging are the most common litter items. The principal pollution sources identified are tourism activities, insufficient disposal infrastructure, and upstream riverine inputs. Stakeholders advocate for biweekly beach cleanups, additional waste bins, and targeted public-awareness campaigns, while visitors propose deposit-return schemes and eco-volunteer guides during peak seasons. Future research should feature continuous sampling, unobtrusive behavioural observations, and comprehensive waste audits. The study concluded that mitigating coastal plastic pollution at Teluk Likas requires source reduction, enhanced collection infrastructure, and sustained community engagement to secure long-term environmental sustainability and a circular economy for the state.
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