National Recycling Day 2009

Since mid of 1990s, 11th of November has been declared as the National Recycling Day for Malaysia. The Day has, however forgotten by many, even those players in the 3R component. While publicity strategy to publicise the Day has to revisit again, those in the know should have done something to communicate with the mass. Perhaps this phenomena is reflected on the progress and achievement of the 3R effort in Malaysia. The country is aspired to reach 22% of recycling rate by year 2020 but little has been made known to the public on the achievement thus far. Even so, many do not know the strategies in place for reaching this target. Perhaps presently our efforts are very fragmented and disengaged and dis coordinated.

With the introduction of Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act, 2007, the solid waste management service will be handled by the federal corporation. The Local Authority role is less vigorous especially in relation to the 3R. So, the next for Local Authority is a critical question to be answer, perhaps in conjunction with this year celebration.

Meanwhile, for the existing players for their passion towards environmental protection or for economic gain, continuity and seeking for improvement in 3R is important.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to record my sincere thank you and appreciation to them, our 3R champion.

I attended a warm and heartening celebration at the SK Sri Kelana today. A function was held to recognise the contribution of the recycling players. To me, the true players that need to be given due recognition is the pupils and those who are at work. Kudos to all the players behind the scene.