In Kota Kinabalu, the Daily Express Features the Mobula 8.2

The Sabah daily covers our cleanup programme conducted with Marine Research Foundation, a wonderful recognition of the daily efforts of the Malaysian crew.

The Mobula 8.2 in operation and its crew in Kota Kinabalu Bay. © Chris Binch

By The SeaCleaners Swiss team
Published on 12.07.2026

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Since April 2025, the Mobula 8.2 has been patrolling the coastal waters of Kota Kinabalu to intercept floating waste before it disperses offshore. In its 12.07.2026 edition, the Daily Express looks back at the initial results of this expedition, deployed alongside our partner Marine Research Foundation.

Visible Results, Precise Monitoring

At the time of publication, the report cited approximately 3 tons of waste removed from the water, the vast majority being plastic. It also highlighted the sorting and recycling efforts carried out on land.

Understanding Waste Pathways

Across an intervention zone of more than 15,000 hectares, from Sepanggar to Petagas, cleanups also help identify areas where waste accumulates. Gaya Island, its villages, and its sheltered bays are central to this work. Food packaging, bottles, and plastic bags are among the most frequently found items.

An Expedition Driven by Local Residents

The crew is largely made up of residents from the villages of Gaya, trained in navigation, safety, and sorting. Alongside offshore operations, local recovery initiatives, including the production of ecobricks, encourage new practices.

This media coverage highlights the core strength of the programme: measurable results and local teams who, day after day, become the drivers of change.

Photo Gallery

A day of cleanup, from setting sail to making ecobricks.

Source: Daily Express, Sabah, 12.07.2026.