The programme was held to raise awareness and encourage recycling
by VEISHNAWI NEHRU
ALAM Flora Sdn Bhd recently organised the “Saya Sayang Bumi — Beach Plogging” programme at Pantai Pelindung in Kuantan, Pahang, adding a fun twist in promoting environmental sustainability.
The term “plogging” is a combination of the words “jogging” and “plocka upp” (Swedish for “pick up”), where participants pick up litter while running or walking.
Officiating the event was Pahang SWCorp Director Sharudin Hamid and Alam Flora Covering Chief Executive Officer Badrulhisyam Fauzi.
The programme was held to raise awareness and encourage recycling while educating the public on how it can contribute to reducing carbon footprint.
It also seeks to educate the public about the negative impacts of improper waste disposal and challenges of instilling behavioural change.
Alam Flora wanted to highlight the importance of proper waste disposal to ensure environmental sustainability and provide a pleasant experience for all visitors, especially in public spaces.
About 150 participants from local communities, Unitar College, University College of Yayasan Pahang, Alam Flora and Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corp (SWCorp) joined the plogging event.
Alam Flora Deputy GM of operations Raja Kamal Azizol Raja Ibrahim said the fun and healthy activity not only cleans up the environment but also encourages the community to develop a sense of responsibility towards maintaining ecological balance.
“In addition, a tree planting programme on the coast for environmental conservation is also being implemented, with the Pahang State Forestry Department contributing 20 trees,” he said.
He said that the practice of keeping recreational areas clean has long been adopted in Japan and several European countries.
“It ensures that trash is properly disposed of, maintaining cleanliness and order. It is a noble habit that needs to be cultivated among Malaysians,” he said.
Raja Kamal added that plogging not only creates a safer and greener environment but also is enjoyable and beneficial for health.
“It fosters a sense of civic duty and environmental consciousness among participants, which is crucial for the preservation of our natural resources,” he said.
Commenting further, Raja Kamal said combining proper waste disposal practices with plogging activities in recreational areas would heighten awareness and instil a caring attitude towards the environment among the public.
“With continued participation in activities like plogging, we can inspire greater environmental stewardship and civic responsibility, ensuring that natural spots like Pantai Pelindung remain pristine for future generations.
Pantai Pelindung remain pristine for future generations.
“This also demonstrates Alam Flora’s commitment and ongoing support towards achieving the government’s goal of reducing 40% of recyclable waste sent to landfills by 2025,” he said.
As a Malakoff Corp Bhd subsidiary, Alam Flora’s initiative is part of the former’s business pillar, the Malakoff Environmental Solutions Aspiration, to focus on environmental management and solutions that are dedicated to serving communities and the planet.
It is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals No 11 which aims at making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, aligned with Malakoff’s overarching purpose of “Enhancing Life, Enriching Communities”.
Alam Flora has organised numerous cleanup programmes, successfully collecting over 150 tonnes of waste through some 300 events in Kuantan.
These programmes involve local communities, students and various agencies.
The company has noted an increase in waste compared to last year due to there being more traders, with the highest collection reaching 7.5 tonnes on March 24.
Last year, Alam Flora recorded an 82% increase in recyclable waste collection in Kuantan, especially following the establishing of the Drive Through Recycling Centre (DTRC) in Taman Gelora two years ago.
The centre allows residents in Kuantan to sell their recyclable materials, supporting environmental sustainability and the conservation of important natural resources.
In 2022, Alam Flora collected 22 tonnes of recyclable materials, which rose to 40 tonnes from January to August 2023 through buy-back activities at the DTRC and other programmes like “Trash to Cash”, receiving positive community response.
Alam Flora recently received top honours at the Sustainability and CSR Malaysia Awards 2024 and the 2024 Special Achievement in GIS Award.
As one of the largest concession holders in Malaysia’s national solid waste management and public cleansing privatisation project, Alam Flora provides comprehen- sive waste management services across several concession areas in Peninsular Malaysia.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
