Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) is aiming for all 24 zones in the Johor city to achieve diamond recognition by 2026 for its low-carbon society and smart city initiatives.
Mayor Datuk Mustaffa Kamal Shamsudin said two zones, Tanjung Langsat and Pasir Gudang, had already received recognition from Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry this year for their low-carbon initiatives.
“We aim to achieve this through policies that require industrial areas to adopt green energy solutions such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
“The council is also encouraging industries to reduce carbon emissions and enhance waste management practices while promoting greater community awareness and participation in sustainability efforts,” he said after chairing the MBPG full board meeting at Menara Aqabah.
To support these goals, MBPG will organise a workshop this month with universities, government agencies and industry players to share best practices for reducing carbon emissions.
Mustaffa also called on the public to play a more active role in maintaining cleanliness and reducing waste in Pasir Gudang.
“Despite the council’s efforts, littering remains a persistent issue, particularly in public parks.
“A smart city is not just about infrastructure but also requires responsible citizens,” he said.
Meanwhile, MBPG councillor Low Sing Huat said water pollution caused by inefficient drainage systems and excessive waste, particularly plastic in rivers and the sea, remained unresolved.
“Despite various environmental conservation programmes, findings on the ground indicate that their effectiveness has not yet reached the desired target.
“Rivers and the sea continue to be polluted by plastic waste, the majority of which originates from nearby villages,” he said.
Low said a major concern was a lack of awareness and the indifference among the public.
“Many residents continue to throw rubbish into drains, ditches and rivers without considering the long-term impact.
“Environmental education has also not been comprehensive or sustained enough to instil proper waste disposal habits,” he said.
To address these issues, Low said MBPG was focusing on several key initiatives, including awareness campaigns and community training programmes.
“These will be conducted regularly to educate villagers on proper waste management and the importance of maintaining clean rivers.
“The ‘Clean Rivers, Prosperous Villages’ campaign will involve village leaders, schools, volunteers and non-governmental organisations.”
Efforts to rehabilitate and improve drainage were also ongoing, with rubbish traps to be installed to prevent waste from flowing into rivers, Low said.
“Maintenance schedules for drainage systems will be enhanced to ensure they function effectively, and enforcement measures will be strengthened.
“Closed-circuit television cameras or smart monitoring technology will be installed in pollution-prone areas and stricter penalties will be imposed on individuals or entities caught dumping waste into rivers,” he added.
