LAST year, over 200kg of trash was removed from the hiking trails at Penang Hill, 75kg more than the previous year.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu appreciated the volunteers’ efforts but expressed concern over the increase in trash collection.“This is both good and bad news.
“It is encouraging to see dedicated Penangites coming together to clean the hill, but worrying that the amount of waste collected continues to rise,” he said during the Trash-Free Hill (TFH2025) press conference at the Penang Hill Lower Station today.
He emphasised that Penang Hill is more than just a popular tourist destination; it is a symbol of Penang’s identity and heritage.
“Keeping the hill clean is a shared responsibility, and we must all do our part to preserve its beauty,” he added.
Now in its sixth edition, TFH will take place on June 15 from 6.30am to 12pm, covering seven major hiking trails, namely Moongate Entrance A & B, Penang Botanic Gardens, Jeep Track, Lower Station/Heritage Trail, Hye Keat Estate, and Jalan Air Itam.
The cleanup will conclude at the Angsana Stage near Dataran Bukit Bendera at the top of the hill.
Registration is free and opens on April 14 via the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) website. Participants can also stay updated through PHC’s official social media channels.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng hopes to attract 800 participants this year.
“As a token of appreciation, each participant will receive a TFH 2025 kit, an e-certificate, and an ice-kacang coupon sponsored by PHC,” he announced.
Participants are also encouraged to bring their water bottles in support of the state’s green initiative.
Both Sundarajoo and Cheok expressed their gratitude to this year’s sponsors, which include Decathlon Gurney Paragon, The Habitat Foundation, The Habitat Penang Hill, Inari Amerton Berhad, and others.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting