The event represents a significant milestone in promoting environmental awareness and recycling efforts

by AUFA MARDHIAH

IN CELEBRATION of National Recycling Day, the Karnival Hari Kitar Semula Putrajaya 2024 brought the vibrant spirit of sustainability to life at Dewan Kompleks Kejiranan, Presint 9, Putrajaya on Nov 23, 2024.

Jointly organised by Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPJ) and its strategic partner, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (AFSB), the event represented a significant milestone in promoting environmental awareness and recycling efforts.

Alam Flora, a subsidiary of Malakoff Corp Bhd, underscored its commitment to global energy and environmental solutions by actively championing this initiative.

The carnival, a flagship collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, also involved key stakeholders such as Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corp (SWCorp), Alam Flora Environmental Solutions Sdn Bhd (AFES) and Majlis Perwakilan Penduduk Wilayah Persekutuan.

It showcased a unified front in the journey towards sustainability. The event created a perfect blend of fun and learning, drawing participation from local residents and environmental enthusiasts. Highlights included the AFSB 3R Exhibition Booth, which captivated visitors with FIKS Dioramas, 3R-themed games and hands-on recycling workshops. Another standout was the Plogging 3R (Rimba Walk) activity, which combined jogging with litter picking, enabling participants to engage in practical environmental efforts while staying active.

The event underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in driving meaningful change

Dignitaries such as PPJ president TPr Fadlun Mak Ujud; SWCorp CEO Khalid Mohamed; and Alam Flora Covering CEO Badrulhisyam Fauzi were in attendance, further reinforcing the importance of multi-stakeholder collaborations in advancing Malaysia’s sustainability agenda.

Alam Flora’s active involvement reflected its vision of building a sustainable future.

Badrul expressed pride in supporting events that align with global sustainability goals, emphasising that the carnival serves as a call-to-action for communities to prioritise recycling and sustainable living to ensure a brighter future for everyone.

“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring sustainable living and, most importantly, leaving a clean legacy for the future generation to inherit.

“On our part, we will continue to play our role towards sustainable living through various beyond-waste management and environmentally-friendly initiatives that support the circular economy and realise the government’s goal of achieving a 40% recycling rate by 2025,” he said in a statement.

The event draws participation from local residents and environmental enthusiasts

The carnival was designed to resonate with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

It also reinforced Malakoff’s overarching purpose of “Enhancing Life, Enriching Communities”.

By fostering partnerships among government agencies, corporations and the public, the Karnival Hari Kitar Semula Putrajaya 2024 succeeded in elevating environmental awareness while strengthening Malaysia’s collective commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.

The event underscored the power of community-driven initiatives in driving meaningful change. It not only educated the public on sustainable practices but also highlighted the potential of partnerships in achieving long-term environmental goals.

With such impactful efforts, Malaysia is well on its way to becoming a global leader in sustainable living.

For context, the Karnival Hari Kitar Semula Putrajaya 2024 was reinstated after a hiatus since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019, the carnival focused on educating students about recycling practices.

Similarly, Alam Flora has spearheaded several impactful initiatives to promote recycling and sustainability across the nation.

Jointly organised by PPJ and Alam Flora, the carnival took place on Nov 23

One of its notable projects is the Fasiliti Inovasi Kitar Semula (FIKS), which focuses on encouraging the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R). The facility plays a key role in supporting the government’s aim to achieve a 40% recycling rate by 2025 by diverting recyclable waste from landfills.

The company also organises the Waste is Amazing Fashion Show, an event marking its 10th anniversary in 2023. The unique initiative highlights sustainability by featuring creative fashion designs crafted from recycled materials, fostering environmental consciousness through innovation and art.

Complementing these efforts, Alam Flora has introduced Recycle Link (Recyclink), a digital application designed to promote cashless recycling. The app rewards users for recycling while reducing paper usage, making it easier and more rewarding for the public to participate in eco-friendly practices.

To further bolster awareness and education on waste management, Alam Flora conducted the Sustainability Hunt 2023, aligning its efforts with the 12th Malaysia Plan’s target of increasing the national recycling rate.

The event, which first started in 2022, incorporated educational activities, emphasising the importance of sustainable waste management.

Jointly organised by PPJ and Alam Flora, the carnival took place on Nov 23 Among the events is a fashion show featuring upcycled materials (Source: PPJ’s Facebook)

Another significant milestone is the launch of the Recovery Initiative Sustainable Eco-Facility (RISE) under its subsidiary, AFES.

The RISE facilities, including the newly inaugurated RISE KL in Selangor, are designed to process substantial amounts of waste daily, directly contributing to the national recycling targets.

These initiatives underscore Alam Flora’s dedication to advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship in Malaysia.

By fostering awareness, embracing innovation and creating opportunities for public engagement, the company continues to play a pivotal role in building a greener, more sustainable future for the nation.