Kuala Lampur, April 8 --  

SEMPORNA, April 8 - On a glossy postcard, Semporna, located on the southeastern coast of Sabah off the Celebes Sea, is sold as the ultimate bucket-list destination.

Hordes of tourists, particularly scuba divers and snorkelers, travel thousands of miles to experience the crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs of the islands off Semporna town.

But step onto one of the five jetties on the mainland, and all that fantasy cracks. Beneath this booming tourism hub lies deep problems.

The salty ocean breeze smells like diesel. Below, the water is filled with drifting plastic. Best advice for navigating the sea off Semporna: close your eyes, get on the speedboat and head straight to the islands.

Trash...