Eye-opening canal dip for MCA man

Cheah wading in the canal to collect rubbish in a bid to raise awareness about pollution in Sungai Pinang. – Filepic

A DIVE into a filthy canal two weeks back has helped Penang MCA social movement bureau head Cheah Chin Woon gain new insight on the need to protect the environment.

The canal filled with pitch black water was connected to Sungai Pinang, which is among the most polluted rivers in the country.

Cheah jumped into the canal to clear rubbish floating there to highlight the pollution problem.

He hoped to raise awareness among Penangites on the need

to protect the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling household waste.

“People can earn extra income from recycling and save the Earth at the same time,” he said in a press conference.

Cheah said Penang should manage waste more sustainably.

“‘If the government can make trash more valuable, perhaps less rubbish will be discarded.”

He urged the public to always keep rivers clean.

“I hope the authorities will throw the book at litterbugs.

“The state can consider getting them to do community service as punishment,” he said.

During his April 14 dip, Cheah spent about 30 minutes wading through the canal to collect trash.

Other MCA members helped him haul up the rubbish.