Latest news with #Car-FreeDay
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Three-way strategy to cut plastic use in S'gor
(From right) Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Jamaliah and Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San visiting various booths promoting green initiatives at the Plastic-Free Campaign Series 2 in Klang. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/ The Star Selangor government will be implementing a three-pronged approach to combat plastic pollution. State public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said, 'First, Selangor will amend local by-laws to standardise them across all 12 local councils and broaden the implementation of plastic bag-free days. 'These amendments are expected to be completed this year, with extensive enforcement beginning early next year.' She said the second step focused on partnerships with stakeholders to expand the plastic-free campaign through awareness, recycling innovation, upcycling and offering eco-friendly alternatives. 'For the third step, education and community participation are a must to foster plastic-free living.' Jamaliah was speaking at the Plastic-Free Campaign Series 2 held at Laman Seni Safari in Klang. The first series was held at Pantai Bagan Lalang in Sepang on May 24. Jamaliah called on the public to reject and stop using single-use plastics. 'Based on studies, plastics are expected to contribute 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, thus undermining global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement climate goal of limiting the average increase in Earth's surface temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The 3km fun walk being flagged off at Laman Seni Safari in Klang during the Plastic-Free Campaign Series 2. 'In this framework, plastic is not just rubbish, it is a direct contributor to global warming,' she stressed. 'According to statistics, one million plastic bottles are purchased worldwide every minute and five trillion plastic bags are used each year. 'Most of the plastics end up as poorly managed waste, either openly burned, dumped into oceans or abandoned in our environment,' Jamaliah pointed out. She said it was estimated that on average, Malaysians used nine billion plastic items annually and a significant portion ended up in the ocean. 'Data from a 2021 research paper by Dutch academic Lourens JJ Meijer showed that Malaysia ranked third among the top 10 countries contributing most to ocean plastic pollution,' she added. Klang Royal City Council president Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said plastic waste management also placed a financial strain on the local council. He called for a shift to eco-friendly alternatives. The campaign was held as part of Klang's Car-Free Day, which also featured a 3km fun walk.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Car-free day travels to Seri Kembangan tomorrow
Muhammad Azli (centre) posing with sponsors of the MBSJ Car-Free Day with the lucky draw grand prize of a 110cc motorcycle. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star SUBANG Jaya City Council's (MBSJ) Car-Free Day programme is coming to Seri Kembangan this Sunday. The event, which will feature a 4.2km fun run and 15km fun ride, will take place outside South City Plaza. MBSJ Corporate and Strategic Management Department director Muhammad Azli Miswan said the car-free day was aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles, environmental awareness, and community engagement through vehicle-free roads. Car-free day takes place four times a year, with the next two slated for August and October. 'We first began in 2022, with all activities held in Subang Jaya but we are now expanding to other state constituencies. 'In February we held it in Seri Serdang, and this is our first time hosting the event in Seri Kembangan. 'We are grateful for the support from the police, Public Works Department and other relevant agencies to ensure safety throughout the programmes,' he said during a press conference at MBSJ headquarters in Subang Jaya. The fun run is open to participants aged 12 and above, while the fun ride is for those aged 15 and above. Registration can be done online, with participation fees starting from RM10. 'We have introduced a small fee this time to improve the overall experience, including offering a lucky draw with the grand prize of a 110cc motorcycle, as well as insurance coverage,' Muhammad Azli added. Other activities include an aerobics session as well as an 'explorace' aimed at raising awareness of dengue prevention. Various exhibitions will also be held by the police, Fire and Rescue Department and companies, many of which will offer special promotions. ― By ALISA IDRIS
