The official launch ceremony of the “Clean Cities Clean Nation” campaign was held at the St Giles Wembley Hotel.
The campaign is a collaboration between Yayasan Modal Insan Harta and Penang Island City Council.
On hand to perform the launch ceremony was Penang Island City Council Mayor Dato A Rajendran. He was accompanied by Datuk Dr. Radzali Hassan, Chairman of Yayasan Modal Insan Harta.
The programme is a nationwide civic initiative aimed at building a cleaner, greener and more liveable Malaysia through community-led environmental action.
It also marks the beginning of a long-term national effort to encourage Malaysians, especially Penangites to take greater ownership of public spaces and environmental wellbeing.
“The Clean Cities Clean Nation initiative is a mission that Penang has long embraced, the vision of a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable city for all.
“It is a continuation of our shared commitment to the environment, to civic values and to sustainable urban living. It is a continuation of World Cleanup Day, which the City Council of Penang Island has done in 2023, and it is a reflection of what happens when policy is matched with people and enforcement is balanced with education.
“But we also know that cleanliness cannot be maintained through municipal action alone. It requires shared ownership. It must be built into our culture,” said Rajendran.
He also added that by funding and co-implementing this initiative, they are bringing both resources and a long-term vision, not as observers but as true partners.
“This is corporate responsibility in its highest form, not charity but co-ownership of the future we all share,” he said.
Meanwhile, Radzali added that true change starts at the community level. Clean Cities, Clean Nation is not just about cleaning streets, it’s about building civic pride, shifting mindsets and nurturing a culture of shared responsibility for our environment.
The initiative aims to:
● Mobilise citizens, schools, local councils, NGOs and corporate partners nationwide
● Clean and rehabilitate public spaces including streets, rivers, parks, and neighbourhoods
● Promote civic awareness and long-term behavioural change
● Support Malaysia’s broader environmental sustainability agenda
The launch of the campaign in Penang marks the first of many activities planned across Malaysia. These will include on-the-ground clean-ups, public awareness campaigns, educational content and strategic partnerships to foster a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
The dinner gathering was also attended by NGOs, community leaders and also Penang Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) members too.