ALOR SETAR, May 17 — The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) is convinced its targeted national recycle rate of 37.5 per cent can be achieved thanks to various public awareness campaigns.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman said this was due to the percentage achieved that had exceeded yearly targets, with 31.5 per cent in 2021, 32.5 per cent in 2022, 35 per cent in 2023, 37.5 in 2024 and 40 per cent in 2025.
“SWCorp holds various public awareness programmes to raise the recycling rate in line with the National Cleanliness Policy that emphasises three clusters — cleanliness, environmental sustainability and a circular economy,” he told reporters after launching the Free Used Fabric Drive Thru, the Trash to Cash Drive Thru and Let’s Sell Used Cooking Oil programmes in conjunction with the three-day Kedah 3R Fiesta that ends tomorrow.
He shared that the fabric collection programme, which began in 2016, is to allow the public to send wearable used clothes for the use of those in need. Data recorded until February showed that nearly 27 tonnes of fabric were collected in an effort to reduce waste at landfills and to inculcate the habit of recycling and reusing.
“We hope more NGOs and private causes show up and help the government in making such awareness programmes about 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) a success and reduce plastic waste for the betterment of future generations,” he said.
E-Idaman Sdn Bhd CEO Zaki Abdul Aziz Daud said his company developed the app idamanXchange in 2022 to encourage the public to be involved in recycling.
“The app provides cash rewards, along with points collected for recycling activities that can be redeemed via the Boost and Touch ‘n Go apps, and is not limited to the people in Kedah, as currently there are over 20,000 users including from Penang, Perak, Selangor and Sabah,” he said.
— Bernama
