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Persisting in Malaysia's cleanliness drive, a resident of Perlis dedicates three decades to bottle recycling endeavors

Honoring independence is more than just flying the Jalur Gemilang flag, it also involves preserving cleanliness and environmental conservation.

Cleaning up Malaysia, bit by bit with recycling: A 30-year-long recycling journey in Perlis by a...
Cleaning up Malaysia, bit by bit with recycling: A 30-year-long recycling journey in Perlis by a local man

Persisting in Malaysia's cleanliness drive, a resident of Perlis dedicates three decades to bottle recycling endeavors

In the heart of Kangar, a small town in Perlis, a 70-year-old man named Nordin Nayan has been making a significant impact on the environment for over three decades. His passion for sustainability and maintaining a clean environment has led him to become a local hero in recycling.

Nordin, a resident of Kampung Wang Besar, began his recycling journey out of a love for the environment. Unlike some, he is not driven by financial gain but by a commitment to sustainability and a desire to see Malaysia become cleaner.

Every two weeks, Nordin collects between 100 and 200 kg of recyclables, which include boxes, milk cans, mineral water bottles, and scrap metal. He scours large garbage bins and night markets for these items, and even picks up recyclables he encounters on his way from home to Pasar Besar Sena, where he sells newspapers.

Nordin's dedication to recycling has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, he won first place in the Recycling category at the National Recycling Day Festival celebrations, organised by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) in Perlis. The award was given in recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation, and for collecting the largest amount of recyclables.

Munir Amani Dasheer, Operations Division Head of E-Idaman Sdn Bhd, praised Nordin's efforts. He stated that recyclers like Nordin play a crucial role in maintaining local cleanliness. Munir also highlighted that the opening of the DTRC (Drive Thru Recycle Centre) creates opportunities for locals to earn additional income through selling recyclables.

Munir believes that the efforts of recyclers like Nordin embody patriotism and love for the country through environmental preservation for the well-being of future generations. He stated that if more Malaysians adopted Nordin's recycling practices, the country would become much cleaner.

Nordin's hard work and dedication have not only earned him recognition but also provided him with a source of income. He can earn an estimated RM50 for 200 kg of recyclables when sold to recycling collection centres. This extra income has helped support his livelihood.

Despite his achievements, Nordin remains dedicated to his cause. He disapproves of trash being scattered everywhere and continues to collect and recycle, hoping to inspire others to do the same. His story serves as a reminder that small actions can make a big difference in preserving our environment.

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