Currently, we are facing critical ocean pollution with dirty beaches in Malaysia. Plastic debris on Malaysian beaches ranges from 64 items to as high as 1930 items, contributing 30–45% of the total waste collected. (source) In response to this urgent issue, the 5-year “One Ocean One World” Flagship Project was initiated, led by our Ocean Flagship Taskforce Chairman and Vice President Melvin Ng, focuses on combating ocean pollution. On January 28, 2023, Melvin led a team to connect with the Aborigines of Pantai Cunang in Tanjung Sepat and local communities to understand the beach pollution problem. The team conducted surveys and needs analyses with 15 Aboriginal residents, 18 local food stall and café owners, 7 fishermen, 6 local organizations, and 32 parents to identify their challenges and the root causes. Key findings include:

1) Major Challenges:

1a) Impact on Residents:

• 73% of locals are affected by dirty beaches, occurring twice a month after the 1st and 15th of the Chinese lunar calendar.

• Many children cannot play on the beaches.

• Over 50% of kids have never visited local beaches.

1b) Economic Impact:

• Fishermen’s income has decreased by 40% annually over the past five years due to pollution.

• Local tourism has had to cancel beach activities to prevent injuries from rubbish like glass bottles and plastic.

2) Resources Required:

2a) Ocean Cleaning:

• Clean the ocean before rubbish reaches the beaches.

2b) Public Awareness:

• Educate people to reduce single-use plastics.

2c) Government Policies:

• Advocate for global policies to restrict ocean dumping.

To address these issues, we have organized Aborigines Beach Cleaning Initiatives 1.0 & 2.0 and awareness activities as sustainable solutions. These efforts aim to tackle the root causes of beach pollution and create positive environmental impacts, aligning with UNSD Goal 14: Life Below Water.