INDIVIDUALS, families, and seasonal and experienced hikers who are deemed fit are welcome to join the upcoming Trash Free Hill (TFH) programme on Sept 29.
Organised by the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), the clean-up drive marks its fifth edition this year.
Trash Free Hill programme will take place from 6.30am to 12pm at seven trails around Penang Hill, starting at Moongate Entrance A & B, Botanic Gardens, Jeep Track, Lower Station/Heritage Trail, Hye Keat Estate, and Jalan Air Itam. The trails will end at the Dataran, Penang Hill.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said TFH is an annual plogging activity aimed at raising awareness and promoting the preservation of the hill.
Cheok said the programme serves as a platform to educate and raise environmental consciousness and responsible waste disposal, thus protecting and preserving Penang Hill and its biodiversity.
He noted that the programme has also proven to be an impactful initiative over the years, attracting an overwhelming number of participants.
“In 2018, when TFH first launched, 550 participants joined to clear a total of 500kg of trash. The subsequent year saw even greater involvement, with over 726 participants effectively cleaning up over 480kg of trash from the hill.
“In 2022, 736 participants dedicated their efforts, resulting in the removal of 436.4kg of waste. In 2023, participation surged to 904 volunteers, but due to rain, the event had to be rescheduled. Nevertheless, 125kg of trash were successfully removed,” he told a press conference on May 18.
Also present was Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
Cheok emphasised that by participating in Trash Free Hill, participants can contribute to the preservation of Penang Hill.
He added that this, in turn, will ensure a pristine environment, maintaining the hill’s cleanliness, and upholding its status as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
According to Cheok, this event not only helps to safeguard the hill’s beauty for future generations to enjoy and ensures its availability for years to come but also provides an opportunity for families and corporations to bond while engaging in a meaningful, fun and family-oriented activity.
Registration is free and open from July 29 onwards. Interested participants can sign up online on Penang Hill Corporation’s website and stay updated on PHC’s official social media channels.
It is learnt that registered participants will also be provided with gloves, garbage bags, and other plogging supplies to facilitate their clean-up efforts.
For any enquiries, please contact PHC at 04-828 8880 or email [email protected].
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of Penang Hill Corporation