ARMED with rubbish pickers and large plastic bags, members of Penang Master Builders (PMB) Association rolled up their sleeves to give a corner of George Town a thorough cleanup.
About 30 members, led by PMB president Datuk Goh Teng Whoo and his committee, together with Penang Island City Council (MBPP) workers, took to the streets around Little India, clearing rubbish from drains, shoplot corners and sidewalks.
In just an hour, they managed to fill several large bags with cigarette butts, discarded food and packaging.
Event organising chairman Loh Yeok Cheong said the gotong-royong initiative was held to raise awareness on the importance of keeping heritage areas clean.
“This is the first time we are organising such an activity. We hope it will encourage people to keep their surroundings clean and refrain from littering.
“About RM4,000 was spent to provide 20 units of dustbins, which will be distributed around the area, as well as cleaning equipment such as brooms and other tools for the MBPP workers,” he said.
Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who joined the effort, said the programme was more than just about cleaning up the streets.
“Little India is one of our city’s treasures, where history, culture and daily life meet.
“By keeping it clean, we are also protecting our heritage and strengthening George Town’s identity as a living cultural city.
“A great city is not only defined by its buildings or its economy, but by how much its people care for its surroundings,” she said, adding that clean streets and a healthy environment were the foundation of a thriving community.
A squad of cleaners from MBPP, who joined in the effort, were later treated to breakfast in recognition of their contribution.
