The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) today received a courtesy visit from the delegation of the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation Malaysia, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation in community development, circular economy, and environmental sustainability.
The delegation was represented by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Tzu-Chi Foundation Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee, along with Tzu-Chi volunteers comprising Datuk Sri Yong Seng Yeow, Gan Yee Hin, Jee Say Loo, Mr. Loo Soon Eng, and the association’s staff member, Ms. Goh Suz Suz.
The meeting with the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Nga Kor Ming, also focused on coordinating community efforts in support of the implementation of the Malaysia Clean-Up Day 2025 program, which is scheduled to take place on 27 September 2025.
Tzu-Chi also expressed their commitment to mobilize thousands of volunteers for Malaysia Clean-Up Day, focusing on civic education, community empowerment, and raising awareness about environmental care.
“KPKT is truly honored to welcome Tzu-Chi as a strategic partner for Malaysia Clean-Up Day 2025. With their involvement, I am confident public participation will be broader and create a more meaningful impact, potentially making history by attracting 100,000 participants in this large-scale gotong-royong (communal clean-up) campaign,” said Nga.
He added that this initiative aligns with KPKT’s 4P approach—Public-Private-People-Partnership—which promotes collaboration between the government, private sector, NGOs, and community involvement to deliver more comprehensive assistance and support to the people.
In addition, Nga announced that KPKT will hold engagement sessions with several NGOs focused on environmental protection, such as Tzu Chi, with the aim of appointing them as strategic partners of the National Circular Economy Council for Solid Waste (NCEC) to assist local authorities (PBTs).
“KPKT is also committed and open to building collaborative networks with NGOs and local communities to strengthen the sustainable urban development agenda, in line with the Malaysia MADANI spirit.
“We want to encourage the participation of all multiracial NGOs in the effort to make the country more sustainable and prosperous for a greener future,” he added.
As a symbol of support, Nga also handed over a contribution of RM20,000 to the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation Malaysia through the minister’s allocation, to further empower the implementation of the foundation’s initiatives and aid programs.
During the meeting, Nga was also briefed on the various community initiatives that have been and will be carried out by Tzu-Chi, including welfare aid programs, recycling activities, cleanliness campaigns, and support for vulnerable groups.
Tzu-Chi Malaysia, which has over 34,000 volunteers nationwide, is an NGO actively involved in community service, humanitarian aid, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
The organization also operates 810 recycling points and 218 recycling centers across the country that function weekly. Throughout 2024, the association successfully collected 5,261,951 kilograms of recyclable materials, thanks to the efforts of 40,527 volunteers nationwide.