Call to reduce waste during CNY celebration

Tan (second from left) at the SWM Environment CNY service schedule announcement in Kota Iskandar.

ISKANDAR PUTERI: SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM Environment) wants the public to reduce the amount of waste generated during the Chinese New Year celebration.

State local government, urban wellbeing and environment committee chairman Tan Chen Choon said this could be achieved by practicing a zero waste lifestyle and carrying out waste separation at source.

“Those holding open houses are encouraged to conduct separation at source, apart from making sure no food is wasted in line with our campaign “Value Food, No Waste” that can reduce it by about 40%.

“Normally, SWM Environment collects up to 3,000 tonnes a month but this increases by about 50% or is more than 4,490 tonnes during festive seasons,” he said.

Tan added that although SWM Environment was continuing with its normal collection schedule, its staff were on standby to act in situations involving waste collection.

He said the public could call SWM Environment hotline to report on illegal dumping of waste or on uncollected rubbish in their area.

“We hope to reduce waste generated as much as possible,” he said.

The public can call 1-800-88-7472 or WhatsApp to 012-618 0082.

“The response is usually within 24 hours,” said Tan.