Plogging event to keep Penang Hill clean on Nov 13

(Front row, from right) Cheok and Phee announcing the event at the hill’s lower station. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) hopes its annual “Trash Free Hill” cleanup on Nov 13 will uncover less rubbish than in previous years.

PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said that the first event in 2018 collected more than 500kg of rubbish on the hill.

“The rubbish was strewn over the main area and all the way up the hill,” he said during a press conference at the hill’s lower station to announce the return of the event after a two-year hiatus.

Cheok noted that in 2019, there was less rubbish collected (480kg).

On the cleanliness of Penang Hill, Cheok said PHC’s maintenance team collects two bags of rubbish daily.

He said there were educational programmes to remind visitors to be responsible.

“About 5,000 people visit Penang Hill daily and if each one throws away a single plastic bag, we will have to collect 5,000 bags every day.”

The “Trash Free Hill” event to be held on various hiking trails involves plogging which is a combination of hiking and picking up litter.

Earlier in his speech, state environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said everyone was welcome to join the eco-friendly event and it would give nature lovers a chance to do their bit for the environment.

“The first flag-off will be at Taman Rimba in Teluk Bahang, one of the longest trails at Penang Hill, at 6.30am. This trail is recommended for experienced hikers.

The starting points at the remaining seven trails are Moongate, Botanic Gardens, Lower Station/Heritage Trail, Hye Keat Estate and Jalan Air Itam with the flag-off at 7am,” he said, adding that the end points of all trails would be at Dataran Penang Hill, at noon.

Those interested can register online for the event from now until Sept 30 via the PHC website or by scanning the QR provided.

No registration fee is required. A total of 700 hiking enthusiasts is expected for the event.