LOVE and care for nature has inspired three young volunteers to clear up the polluted beach along coastal area near Bayan Mutiara in Penang since last August.
The idea was mooted by Alexis Tan after she discovered the beach ‘a terrible eyesore’ to locals and tourists.
So, when Tan approached her two close buddies – Kimberley Wong and Pei Wern – they did not need much persuasion. The trio immediately sprang into action and came out with plans to clean up the beach and its surrounding areas.
Since then, it has become a routine activity for them as well as other volunteers from 7.30am to 9.30am every Sunday. Their team is known as Eco Squad.
When Pei Wern, the group’s spokesman, conveyed her intention of helping in the beach cleanup to her family, she said her family was initially a bit skeptical.
However, they have since accepted her noble effort for the sake of having a cleaner and greener environment in line with the state government’s initiative.
Through their volunteerism, Pei Wern said the group has created an awareness on keeping beaches clean and helping to save marine life for the conservation of marine ecosystem.
She said they had collected tonnes of cigarette butts, straws, plastic bags, tyres and even some dumped electronic and electrical items at the shore.
“We have even found some surprising items, including those that looked black magic items, which stunned us all.
“Anyway, I feel all of us should play a bigger role to conserve the environment by cleaning up the polluted beach. It’s our responsibility to ensure a cleaner and greener locality wherever we live,” she said during an exclusive interview in Bayan Baru recently.
Wong did not rule out the possibility of collaborating with another group in the future for the sake of the environment.
“As long as we share the same sentiments, there is no reason for us not to cooperate,” she said.
She also reminded the people to keep Penang beaches clean to boost the tourism industry.
“It will paint a bad picture for our state if nothing is done to rectify the situation,” she added.
For further information about the Eco Squad’s activities, visit Beach Cleanup Penang via Facebook.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan