Community Collects One Tonne Of Waste In Kunak Earth Clean Challenge

KUNAK, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- About one tonne of waste was collected in the ‘Earth Clean Challenge’ at Kampung Pangkalan Laut here yesterday, which drew over 100 volunteers, including tahfiz students, members of Sahabat Yayasan Pembangunan Malaysia (YPM) and local residents.

The community clean-up campaign was organised by Ma’haad Tahfiz Ashabul Yamin and sponsored by Lahad Datu Parliamentary TVET Coordinator Datuk Seri Anil Sandhu.

Anil said the initiative supports three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), to strengthen public awareness of the importance of cleanliness and environmental conservation.

He said the involvement of various community groups, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), reflected a strong spirit of volunteerism for collective well-being.

“This village has long lacked a proper drainage system. Cleanliness is not just about gotong-royong activities but a moral and social responsibility. When our village is clean, our minds are also clear and that’s the starting point for greater change in society,” he told Bernama today.

Anil also urged more NGOs and members of the public to participate in community clean-up efforts as a shared responsibility to protect the environment.

“If our surroundings are not clean, how can we live healthily and breathe fresh air? I challenge the other NGOs and communities to come forward and help clean up areas affected by pollution,” he said.

He added that the campaign not only helped beautify the fishing village but also aimed to spark wider civic awareness in Kunak on maintaining cleanliness and community well-being.

-- BERNAMA