The ‘Jom Recycle’ (Let’s Recycle) programme aiming to maintain environmental sustainability has received welcoming responses from Taiping communities
According to the secretary of Taiping Municipal Council (MPT), Kamaruzzaman Kamari, the programme, which is the first of its kind, is in line with the state government’s hope to encourage joint effort between the government and NGOs in making the recycling programme a success.
“We’ve made a few plans for the entire year, one of which is to bring recycling campaigns to schools with the purpose of creating awareness among the younger generation regarding the importance of caring for the environment.
“Studies regarding solid waste management at home have shown that only around 20 percent of respondents practice it, while the remaining do not.
“To promote the importance of recycling among the communities, a few recycling campaigns will be implemented with focus on reduction of single-use plastic bag usage and health hazards related to usage of polystyrenes as food containers,” he said during the Jom Recycle programme at Taiping Municipal Gallery today (February 27).
The Jom Recycle programme is held by MPT with joint effort from Junior Chamber International (JCI) Taiping.
Nearly 30 individuals were present to hand over a multitude of recyclable goods, such as pre-loved clothes, books, toys, plastic bottles, glassware, aluminium cans and electronic equipment.
Kamaruzzaman added, this initiative also indirectly engages the community in practicing the campaign in stages.
“We’ve successfully collected disposable materials weighing around a total of 822.2kg to be recycled and handed them over to the Taiping Community Service Society (ESDA), an association that provides job opportunities for the disabled (OKU),” he stated.
The programme will be permanently held every final Saturday of each month at the Taiping Municipal Gallery. MPT is in plans to expand the activity to rural areas.
Those who would like to contribute recyclable goods may do so via separation of items by types and neat packaging.
The next Jom Recycle programme will be held on March 27 at the Taiping Municipal Gallery from 9am to 11am.
Rosli Mansor
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