THE state government’s green initiatives have led to a significant behavioural change among Penangites.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared this during the closing ceremony of the ‘Recycling Cooking Oil Campaign,’ organised by the Penang Tenaga Nasional Berhad today.
Chow expressed his hope that this shift in behaviour would endure, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts in promoting environmental consciousness among Penangites.
“In line with the Penang2030 vision, the state government aims to achieve a 70% recycling rate by the year 2030.
“As of November 2024, Penang’s recycling rate stands at 53.68%, marking an impressive improvement in reducing landfill waste,” Chow said.
Chow lauded TNB for organizing the ‘Recycling Cooking Oil Campaign,’ which aligns with the Penang2030 vision of creating a sustainable environment.
“Waste management, especially the disposal of used cooking oil, has become a growing problem in Malaysia.
“When poured down drains, used oil clogs the drainage system, causing blockages and attracting pests like rodents, which can lead to health issues.
“This campaign aims to reduce environmental pollution caused by improper oil disposal while encouraging recycling as a daily practice.
“It educates the public on properly separating used oil for reprocessing, fostering a stronger sense of environmental responsibility and promoting a culture of sustainability,” Chow added, urging other organisations to implement similar initiatives.
Chow also shared the concept of a circular economy, emphasising the need to view waste as a resource.
“When waste is placed in the right context, it becomes a resource; misplaced, it remains waste,” he explained.
TNB Penang general manager Norhizami Abu Hasan said the campaign, involving 454 TNB staff, successfully collected 2,400 kilograms (kg) of used oil.
Norhizami, on behalf of TNB, presented a mock cheque for RM15,000 to Chow, in support of the ‘Program Ceria Ke Sekolah’.
This initiative will benefit students within the Padang Kota constituency by providing them with essential school supplies.
In another initiative, TNB collected 40.5 tonnes of used clothing, including 30.7 tonnes from the Persatuan Wanita Tenaga Nasional Berhad Malaysia (Pelitawanis TNB) Penang branch.
At the event held at the TNB Sungai Ara quarters, Chow, accompanied by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, visited the herbal garden set up by the residents.
The ceremony concluded with Chow, Rajendran, Norhizami, and other dignitaries taking part in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the herbal garden.
Pictures taken at the ceremony:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi