The “Clean Cities, Clean Nation” initiative got off to an energetic start early this morning at the historic Esplanade in Penang.
This campaign, spearheaded by Yayasan Modal Insan Harta in collaboration with Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) and supported by their subsidiaries, aims to champion environmental sustainability through waste management, public engagement, and strategic partnerships.
As part of the campaign’s kick-off, a mini clean-up session was held this morning, involving more than 40 volunteers from MBPP and Harta. Participants gathered at Padang Kota and extended their efforts through areas like Esplanade, Green Hall, Love Lane, Bishop Street, and Union Street.
Armed with rakes, rattan baskets, gloves, and a shared sense of civic duty, the volunteers collected an impressive 80 kilograms of waste, which included plastic wrappers, food containers, and other litter. Their dedication helped restore the beauty and cleanliness of these iconic city streets.
The clean-up initiative also saw the presence of Puan Rashidah Jalaludin, Director of Municipal Services, MBPP, who actively participated alongside her team. Her involvement underscored the city council’s strong commitment to sustainability and grassroots action.
The campaign will be officially launched tomorrow by the Mayor of MBPP, marking a formal beginning to a long-term effort to create cleaner cities and a greener Penang.
While the clean-up is a vital first step, the “Clean Cities, Clean Nation” initiative is aligned with broader environmental and energy goals. These include:
• Promoting the adoption of alternative fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane
• Encouraging fuel-saving technologies and energy-efficient mobility systems
• Enhancing national energy security
• Stimulating local economic growth
• Raising public environmental awareness
• Improving urban quality of life
This campaign serves as a timely reminder that sustainable development starts with us. Through consistent collaboration between local authorities, communities, and supporting agencies, the vision of cleaner, healthier urban spaces can become a lasting reality for all.
