Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has instructed the relevant authorities in Semporna to take immediate, swift actions to clean up the district following tourist complaints.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew shared this saying efforts were being made to tackle the cleanliness issue.

"I understand that the district office in Semporna is currently arranging a meeting with all stakeholders.

"They have also appointed concessionaires, reflecting the seriousness to address this issue," Liew said after the launch of a three-day Asia Dive Expo (Adex) Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit 2023 at the Sabah International Convention Centre.

She was responding to a Facebook post On Thursday by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Tiong King Sing, who warned that a red notice would be issued if the poor cleanliness in Semporna failed to be resolved.

Tiong highlighted the district's poor cleanliness following concerns from travellers about seawater contamination due to improper waste disposal, leading to harmful algal blooms that affect marine life.

Regarding the red notice warning, Liew assured that prompt action had been taken, adding that the poor cleanliness occurred outside the Sabah Parks' areas.

On Adex, she said the event had positioned Sabah on the global stage, showcasing its rich marine heritage and unwavering commitment to ocean conservation.

By entrusting Adex, a leader in ocean conservation and the dive industry, Liew said that Sabah takes pride in advancing the global agenda set by the United Nations for the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).

"Our summit gathers global experts and pioneers to delve deeply into ocean conservation, diving disciplines, and sustainability," said Liew.

She said that the commitment goes beyond discussions, as divers would remove marine debris over the next few days to preserve the beautiful waters.

Additionally, Sabah will host mermaids worldwide who will compete in the International ADEX Sabah Mermaid Competition 2023.

More than a dozen international speakers from countries including the United Kingdom, France, Hong Kong, the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Switzerland and Egypt are scheduled to give talks.