- THE Penang government, with the partnership of Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Cosmopolitan Homes and numerous institutions will organise a coastal cleanup event in conjunction with this year’s World Cleanup Day and International Coastal Cleanup Day which falls on Sept 21.
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the cleanup effort would cover the coastal area from Queensbay Mall up to the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone area, covering a 4.5km coastline.
“In setting the direction of Penang for the next decade, Penang2030 vision is to bring Penang to greater heights by creating a state that is family-focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation,” Phee told reporters on Aug 22.
“We believe in the balance between development and ecological protection, making Penang a model of modern and vibrant state. We have done numerous initiatives which include to uplift the cleanliness of our beaches and coastlines.”
He added that CEMACS would be collecting data on the amount, weight, and types of waste that would be collected as part of their commitment to provide data and recommendations to the state government pertaining to solid waste management.
The data will also be submitted to the international database hosted by Ocean Conservancy, an international non-government organisation that collects data from similar coastal cleanup event done during the same day, across the globe.
Apart from that, CEMACS, Tzu Chi Penang and JCI Tanjung Bunga will set up educational exhibition booths featuring issues pertaining to plastic and microplastic pollution affecting the marine environment, waste recovery and management and environmental awareness.
Also present were CEMACS director Datuk Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, JCI 2019 national executive vice-president Catherine Chang, Cosmopolitan Homes’ Bon Tan (business development), Penang Green Council general manager Josephine Mei Ling, Dell senior manager Danniel Tan, Tzu Chi Penang volunteer Siow Eik Kwang and Penggerak Komuniti Muda Pulau Pinang (PEKA) programme co-ordinator Por Cheng Him.
Last year, Tan said a total of about 1.5 tonnes of trash were recovered with the participation of over 1,100 Penangites. Most of the thrash consisted of plastic bags, plastic straws and cigarette butts.
She said the Penang government and organising committee invite Penangites to join hands and participate in this year’s cleanup event.
“We also welcome any sponsorship and partners that would like to contribute to this event,” she said.
Further details of the event can be accessed at http://cemacs.usm.my/index.php/ms/2015-06-03-06-56-31/worldcleanupday2019, or YB Phee’s office (04-2620860), Dr Annette Jaya Ram (016-4561747), Dr Abe Woo (011-51409300).
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Nur Amirah Husna Roslan