WITHIN a few hours, hundreds of cigarette butts were collected at a commercial area in Falim, Ipoh.
During an initiative held by Persatuan Suara Air Kinta Perak, volunteers picked up cigarette butts from the ground and drains along three rows of shophouses in Taman Mas.
The collected butts were securely packed and disposed in rubbish bins.
Association founder M. Malliga said the initiative was to highlight the issue of carelessly discarded cigarette butts and its impact on the environment.
“When one person throws a cigarette butt on the ground, it may seem insignificant.
“When more people do it every day, it becomes a serious environmental issue,” she said.
“Cigarette butts not only pollute our streets, but also clog drains, which then contaminate waterways and ultimately harm nature.
“Through this initiative, we hope to encourage everyone to dispose of cigarette butts responsibly and play their part in protecting our water resources and the environment,” she added.
Malliga said cigarette butts were among the most common litter.
“They contain toxic chemicals, including nicotine, heavy metals and other harmful substances that can leach into the environment when exposed to rain and moisture.
“These pollutants may enter drains, rivers and eventually our water sources.
“Cigarette filters are also made of plastic fibres that do not biodegrade easily,” she said.
She added that in rivers and oceans, fish and other wildlife might mistake cigarette butts for food, which could harm them and potentially affect the food chain.
Malliga plans to conduct awareness programmes at residential areas, hotels, schools, colleges and universities on the proper disposal of cigarette butts.
“We will organise cigarette butt collection activities, demonstrate the environmental impact through videos, and display actual collected cigarette butts as hands-on learning materials.
“We believe that seeing the problem first-hand creates a stronger awareness and encourages responsible behaviour.”
She hopes the government will impose stricter penalties for cigarette butt littering, especially at commercial sites like restaurants and vehicle workshops where most of the discarded item were found.
“Businesses should also provide proper disposal bins.
“In the long term, the government should strengthen public education,” said Malliga.
“Solving this issue requires cooperation between smokers, businesses, local authorities and the community.
“Ensuring proper disposal of cigarette butts helps protect our environment and water resources,” she added.
