Volunteers taking part in a clean-up programme at Tanjung Piai National Park, Pontian. — Filepic
There has been a slight drop in the amount of rubbish collected in the state even before the implementation of 100 Days Clean Johor campaign on July 1.
Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) Johor director Cairul Hisham Jalaluddin said that there was a 3% decrease between May and June this year.
“In May, we collected about 88,000 tonnes of rubbish but in June, the figure dropped to 86,000 tonnes.
“This shows that the state government’s initiative to make Johor cleaner was already bearing fruit even before the campaign.
“Now with the 100 Days Clean Johor campaign, we are also being assisted by agencies such as local councils, NGOs and more importantly, the public.”
Cairul added that SWCorp would increase its frequency of rubbish collection at gazetted areas for the campaign.
He said he was thankful for the active participations of NGOs that had introduced activities like plogging.
“Plogging is a combination of jogging while picking up litter found on the streets.
“What better way to keep healthy while making sure our environment remains free of rubbish.
“I am also very proud to see that people have been actively separating their waste, which has also contributed to the decrease in rubbish collection,” he said, adding that the recycling rate in Malaysia was 33%.
Cairul Hisham however added that despite the slight drop in rubbish, SWCorp still saw a lot of food waste being thrown into rubbish bins.
“About 43% of rubbish collected comprises food, which is a pity.
“To reduce this figure, SWCorp is actively going to premises such as hotels and restaurants and engaging with them, including customers, to not waste food,” he added.
