Waste to Wonder 2.0: Penang pushes for a greener future

The “Waste to Wonder 2.0” event, an initiative championing the “Waste to Wealth” concept, successfully took place at the 1st Avenue complex in Penang from 27th to 28th July 2024.

The event, which included a green carnival, a children’s colouring contest, and initiatives promoting environmental protection, attracted over 500 participants.

Its primary aim was to foster a greener Penang by encouraging actions such as “reducing the use of non-eco-friendly items” and “rejecting single-use plastics.”

A unified effort for sustainability

Organising Committee Chairperson Abby Cheng expressed her gratitude to the 29 Strategic Cooperation Partners for their active participation and support.

The event was graced by Penang Komtar State Assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Penang City Council Member Benji Ang Ming Quan.

During the event, JCI Tanjung Bunga, the Mayor of Penang City Council Dato’ Ir Rajendran Anthony, Riicycle Tech Sdn Bhd, Techom Metal Sdn Bhd, Best Buy IT Mall, HP Concept Store, and SEGI College signed a cooperation agreement to establish new electronic recycling stations at their business premises.

The seven new e-waste recycling stations will be located at ICT Komtar, Queensbay Mall, HP Concept Store, SEGI College, Sunway Carnival Mall, Lotus Seberang Jaya, Chai Leng Park Headquarters and Kampung Baru.

These partners will place e-waste recycling bins, sponsored by the Penang City Council, at their stores for one year. Riiicycle Tech will manage recycling, while JCI Tanjung Bunga will handle promotion.

Promoting environmental awareness in Penang

In his opening speech, Teh stated that the Penang state government is committed to reducing single-use plastic through legislation and enforcement measures, such as increasing the cost of single-use plastic and promoting reusable eco-friendly products.

He emphasised that environmental protection requires joint efforts from the entire community.

“Everyone should enhance environmental awareness, reduce plastic use, and actively participate in waste recycling,” he urged.

The Komtar assemblyperson encouraged citizens to integrate environmental protection concepts into their daily lives to collectively promote Penang’s green development.

Meanwhile, Rajendran highlighted the collaboration between 1st Avenue and various units, which has achieved remarkable results in reducing single-use plastic and promoting environmental protection.

During the event, e-waste recycling bins were provided at the shopping mall, and several environmental protection workshops were held to raise public awareness.

He stressed the importance of sustainable practices, highlighting the dangers of single-use plastics to the environment and future generations, and called on everyone to learn, share, and collaborate to promote environmental protection.

Council Member and Chairman of the Penang City Council Public Education Sub-Committee, Benji Ang Ming Quan, the founder of the new e-waste recycling station program, stated that establishing more e-waste recycling centres will lead Penang towards a more sustainable future.

He noted that waste management is closely linked to public health and the well-being of future generations. Benji also emphasised the importance of e-waste recycling in reducing pollution and resource waste.

The new collection points will significantly increase the recycling rate, reduce pressure on landfills, and mitigate the environmental impact of hazardous materials.

He urged the public to actively use these facilities and properly dispose of waste to support Penang’s environmental protection efforts.

The two-day “Waste to Wonder 2.0” event received extensive support and cooperation from many parties.

The organising committee extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, hoping everyone will work together to protect the Earth, reduce plastic use, and achieve the goal of turning “waste into treasure.”

For those interested in participating in future activities or have any inquiries, please contact the Organising Committee Chairperson at 010-293 1354 or the President at 017-577 9788.