OVER 71kg of wastes were collected by 258 ploggers at an event at Tanjung Emas, a popular recreational spot in Muar.
Muar Municipal Council (MPM) Environmental Health and Licensing Department chief Mohd Zamry Yusof, who also joined the Plogging with Tzu-Chi Programme, said 17.35kg of the collected rubbish were sent for recycling.
“There were plastic, aluminium, other metals, glass bottles, and paper aside from general waste.
“Initiatives like this are crucial for raising public awareness about environmental protection,” he said in a press release.
He said a clean and sustainable environment needed active community involvement.
“Through activities like plogging, we not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also encourage people to be more conscious of cleanliness and environmental sustainability,” said Mohd Zamry.
He encouraged the public to practise proper waste disposal, follow regulations and support recycling initiatives.
“Muar was previously recognised as a clean city nationally and in Asean.
“Such an achievement should motivate us and instil responsible behaviour so that this reputation is preserved and inherited by future generations,” said Mohd Zamry.
Besides supporting more community-driven initiatives like plogging, he highlighted the importance of eating ethically for better health and low-carbon living.
“Ethical eating benefits personal health, reduces environmental impact and contributes to the preservation of the planet for future generations.”
The event, in conjunction with World Ethical Eating Day, was organised by Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation Malaysia (Muar), Muar High School Parent-Teacher Association (HSMPTA), MPM and Johor Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp Johor).
HSMPTA president Isaac Chiew emphasised the importance of practising the 5Rs of refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle daily.
“To safeguard our environment, the 5R principles should be embedded in our daily routines.
“We need to start now,” he said.
