THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has launched Hub 3R @Taman Serina, a recycling hub in Sungai Pinang, to improve waste segregation at source initiative.
This initiative, which was reintroduced as a policy in July, is part of the state’s broader environmental efforts.
State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman, Lim Siew Khim highlighted that the hub is a significant step towards Penang’s Vision 2030, which aims to establish the state as the first green state in Malaysia.
“With the establishment of a recycling hub such as this, residents are encouraged to start implementing waste separation policies at home.
“By doing so, they not only help reduce landfill waste but also have the opportunity to generate additional income from recyclable materials,” she said during the launching ceremony on Aug 19.
Lim expressed her gratitude to the Urban Services Department, fondly known as ‘Wira Kuning,’ for their dedication and tireless services.
Operational since 2022 and managed by the MBPP Urban Services Department, Hub 3R is designed to handle various recyclable materials, including plastic bottles, papers, cardboard boxes, beverage containers, and tetra packs.
A total of 77 recycling centers from across the island will be sending their recyclable items to Hub 3R.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran urged Penang residents to actively participate in the waste segregation policy, which was re-enforced in July.
“We have found that many are unaware of the reintroduction of the waste segregation at source policy, resulting in the issuance of 50 notices of non-compliance so far.
“It is important to increase the recycling rate since Pulau Burung, the only remaining landfill in Penang, is almost full.
“With initiatives like Hub 3R, along with the provision of recycling sets and bins, we hope to see improved adherence to the policy and greater community involvement in waste management.
“MBPP has also implemented other measures to further encourage waste separation at source, such as providing recycling sets for low-cost housing and placing recycling bins in each area.
“Therefore, it is hoped that this reinforcement will be continually improved from time to time, helping to preserve the environment and move the state towards a more sustainable future,” he added.
At the event, the dignitaries present including Lim, and Rajendran demonstrated proper waste separation techniques, further emphasising the importance of individual contribution to environmental sustainability.
Others who were present were MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong, several MBPP councillors, and the ‘Wira Kuning’ squad.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian