Clean-up initiative set to boost public participation
Tzu-Chi's involvement is expected to boost public participation and enhance the impact of the mass gotong-royong initiative, scheduled for Sept 27.
'This collaboration aligns with our 'Public-Private-People-Partnership' approach, which encourages joint efforts between the government and private sectors, NGOs and the community to deliver more comprehensive support.
'With Tzu-Chi's involvement, I am confident that public participation will be more widespread and impactful,' said Nga in a statement.
Nga also said the ministry would engage with environmental NGOs, including Tzu-Chi, and appoint them as strategic partners of the National Circular Economy Council for Solid Waste, in support of local authorities' sustainability efforts.
'The ministry remains committed and open to building collaborative networks with NGOs and local communities to advance sustainable urbanisation in line with the Madani vision.
'We want to encourage NGOs of all backgrounds to take part in building a more sustainable and prosperous country for a greener future,' he said.
As a symbol of support, Nga presented a RM20,000 contribution from his ministerial allocation to Tzu-Chi to help strengthen its initiatives and outreach efforts.
The Tzu-Chi delegation made a courtesy visit to the ministry yesterday, aimed at strengthening strategic collaboration in community development, circular economy initiative and environmental sustainability.
The delegation was led by Tzu-Chi Kuala Lumpur and Selangor deputy CEO Puan Sri Tong Siew Bee, who was accompanied by Tzu-Chi volunteers Datuk Sri Yong Seng Yeow, Gan Yee Hin, Jee Say Loo, Loo Soon Eng and staff member Goh Suz Suz.
During a meeting, the delegation briefed the minister on Tzu-Chi's ongoing and upcoming community programmes, including welfare assistance, cleanliness campaigns and aid for vulnerable groups.
Tzu-Chi expressed commitment to mobilise thousands of volunteers for the campaign, with a strong focus on civic education, community empowerment and environmental awareness.
With over 34,000 volunteers nationwide, Tzu-Chi is actively involved in humanitarian aid and environmental sustainability initiatives.
The organisation operates 810 recycling points and 218 full-scale recycling centres across the country that are open weekly.
In 2024, it collected over 5.26 million kg of recyclable materials, made possible by the efforts of 40,527 volunteers throughout Malaysia.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Join us to inspect MyKiosk locations, Pahang MCA youth tells DAP
MCA Youth Pahang finds it deeply troubling that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and DAP leaders are using the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) early conclusion that there is 'no criminal element' in the MyKiosk project as a shield — not only to silence critics but to demand an apology from MCA. From the beginning, the MyKiosk initiative raised serious concerns. The project involved spending a substantial sum of public funds to construct over 7,000 metal kiosks, supposedly to raise public income and resolve illegal hawker issues. Yet these promises were never backed by sound planning or evidence-based policy. MCA Youth has consistently raised two fundamental questions: • Was the government overcharged for these kiosks? • Has the project, in practice, turned into another white elephant? It is absurd that DAP leaders deflect blame onto MCA and demand an apology, yet still refuse to explain whether MyKiosk is effective or if public funds were wasted. It's a classic case of attacking the messenger instead of answering the message. Key questions remain unanswered: Why did the Minister think 7,000 kiosks would raise public income? How would these 7,000 kiosks solve illegal hawking? What is the actual cost per kiosk — and was it overpriced? Instead of addressing these concerns, the government hides behind MACC's remarkably swift declaration. A one-day investigation followed by a blanket statement of 'no criminal element' hardly reassures the public, especially when no real explanations are provided. Malaysians deserve transparency, not political diversion. Minister Nga and DAP leaders continue to evade the real questions. Why did the Ministry believe that mass-producing kiosks would solve complex socio-economic issues? What data supported this plan? And who is accountable for the growing evidence — including videos and photos — that these kiosks are now abandoned, underused, or placed in remote, impractical locations? Ironically, the first person to call this project a 'white elephant' did not hail from MCA, but DAP's own Negeri Sembilan EXCO, Arul Kumar. Is DAP now accusing him of spreading misinformation? Or do they only demand apologies when it suits their narrative? True leadership means owning up to flawed decisions, not shifting blame. The MyKiosk debacle reflects a worrying trend: superficial, headline-grabbing policies with no real depth. Minister Nga should not dismiss valid public concern as political rhetoric. Malaysians are not demanding perfection but merely asking for responsible policies, honest answers, and meaningful outcomes. It is not MCA that owes the nation an apology. If anything, those who pushed forward a flawed and costly programme without foresight or accountability — and now refuse to answer for its failings — are the ones who owe the public an explanation. Meanwhile, MCA Youth Pahang invites DAP leaders to join us in visiting and inspecting the grounds of the MyKiosks and self-gauge on the suitability of the location and if the price justifies the construction costs. It is time to stop defending failed policies and start delivering results that truly matter. Wong Siew Mun Pahang MCA Youth chief
The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
NGO submits memorandum calling for immediate halt to the culling of strays
ABOUT 200 people gathered outside the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Precinct 1, Putrajaya, calling for an immediate halt to the culling of stray dogs. Among them was social activist and Global Human Rights Federation president S. Shashi Kumar, who handed a memorandum to a representative from the PMO. The memorandum called for the Federal Government to reform the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and look into the federation's proposals for humane methods of managing strays. Shashi said the increasing number of stray animals, particularly dogs, was a national crisis that must be addressed by the government. 'Instead, the government has taken the shortcut approach by killing these animals. 'These strays are also caught (by local councils) and placed in pounds with heavy 'bail' fees. Local councils charge up to RM2,000 per dog, which is extortion,' he claimed. Shashi said the group wanted the government to intervene by working with non-governmental organisations championing animal welfare to solve the problem, including allocating funds towards the matter. The handover was witnessed by the group, who held up banners and placards in a show of support. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Federal Court sets Oct 29 to hear appeal against Isa Samad's acquittal
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court has fixed Oct 29 for the hearing of the prosecution's appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision to acquit former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad. Mohd Isa, 75, was acquitted of all nine corruption charges involving RM3mil in connection with the purchase of Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites in Kuching, Sarawak. Deputy public prosecutor Afzainizam Abdul Aziz said the hearing date was set by deputy registrar Wan Fatimah Zaharah Wan Yussof during an online case management proceeding on Friday (July 25). "All parties are required to file their written submissions two weeks before the appeal hearing,' Afzainizam said when contacted. Meanwhile, Mohd Isa's counsel Siti Sarah Khalil said the court has directed parties to file their submissions on or before Oct 14, with the next case management fixed for Oct 15. The prosecution filed its notice of appeal on March 7, 2024, and petition of appeal on June 26, advancing 24 grounds to support its contention that the Court of Appeal erred in law and fact when it acquitted Mohd Isa of all charges. On March 6, 2024, a three-member Court of Appeal panel comprising Justice Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera (now a Federal Court judge), Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim and Datuk S.M. Komathy Suppiah set aside Mohd Isa's conviction and six-year sentence, as well as the RM15.45mil fine imposed by the High Court on Feb 3, 2021. The former Negeri Sembilan mentri besar was charged in 2018 with nine counts of receiving RM3,090,000 in bribes from Ikhwan Zaidel, a director of Gegasan Abadi Properties Sdn Bhd, through his former special political officer, Muhammad Zahid Md Arip, as an inducement for facilitating Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd's approval to purchase the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites for RM160mil. The offences were alleged to have taken place at Level 49, Menara Felda, Platinum Park, No. 11, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, between July 21, 2014, and Dec 11, 2015. He was charged under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. - Bernama
