200 attend World Clean-up Day event to foster volunteerism, awareness on keeping rivers clean
ABOUT 200 people took part in a World Clean-up Day programme at Batu Gajah and cleared up the riverbanks of Sungai Kinta in Perak.
The participants consisted of representatives from the Sungai Terap Rukun Tetangga (RT) community, Batu Gajah District Council and Quest International University students, who jointly organised the event at Menara Tanjak Batu Gajah near the river.
Sungai Terap resident Norazlina Jhaffar, 45, said efforts to care for the environment should start with changing people’s habits.
“I hope society will be more aware of the importance of not littering.
“Rubbish on the ground should be picked up and thrown into a rubbish bin,” she said during the event that was launched by Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing.
She said the presence of rubbish would lead more people to litter, whereas they would be more reluctant to dirty a clean area.
“That’s why it is important to educate community members of all ages to play their part in keeping Malaysia clean.”
Sungai Terap RT chairperson Junaidah Haron said the programme was about fostering the spirit of gotong-royong, volunteerism and community awareness of the importance of sustaining rivers.
“The small efforts we make today will have a big impact on future generations.
“Rivers are not only vital sources of water, but also habitats for aquatic life, recreational spaces and natural treasures that must be preserved for our collective well-being.”
She said this year’s programme reminded the public of their responsibility to care for the environment, especially rivers as they are a source of life.
“The global observance of World Cleanup Day and World River Day every September shows that caring for our planet is a universal responsibility.
“With programmes like this, I hope we will all become more conscious of environmental cleanliness and continue working together towards a greener, healthier and more sustainable future,” she added.
Tan said riverside conservation was important not just for cleanliness but also to restore ecosystems and create new spaces for recreation and tourism.
“Rivers are the lifeline of communities and a symbol of a healthy ecosystem.
“Through activities like this, we are not only cleaning up our surroundings but also reviving the river ecosystem.
“This is a proactive step to preserve our natural heritage for future generations.”
He said more programmes like this should also be held along other rivers in Perak.
“Every little effort we make today will have a big impact on the well-being of our community,” he added.
Also present were Quest International University vice-chancellor Prof Zita Mohd Fahmi and Batu Gajah District Council president Mohamad Razif Ramli.
