Latest news with #SWMEnvironment
The Star
03-08-2025
- General
- The Star
30,000kg target for glass recycling contest across 60 Johor schools
(Seated, from left) Mohd Norlisam, Abd Rashid, and Mohd Munir with the schools' representatives at the launch of the campaign at Johor Tourist Information Centre in Johor Baru. A SANITATION company is aiming to collect 30,000kg of used glass bottles through a recycling competition involving 60 primary schools across Johor. SWM Environment Sdn Bhd corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said this year's challenge, held for the second time since 2022, would run until November. 'When we first held the challenge three years ago, we collected about 24,000kg of used glass bottles from 30 primary schools. 'Now that the number of participating schools has doubled, we are aiming to collect about 30,000kg,' he said during the launch of the campaign at Johor Tourist Information Centre in Johor Baru. Mohd Norlisam said this year's challenge was organised in collaboration with Yayasan JCorp and other sponsors. A total of RM30,000 in cash prizes will be awarded across six categories. 'This year, three new segments have been introduced to spur creativity and encourage broader participation. 'These include categories for innovative glass upcycling ideas and school-wide engagement campaigns through making videos,' he added. The campaign, he said, carried a key message for both participating schools and the public. 'The challenge is part of SWM Environment's broader efforts to promote environmental responsibility through education and community involvement. 'Glass is often overlooked as a recyclable item, even though it can be repurposed without losing its qualities. 'Children play a crucial role in changing household recycling habits. 'By involving pupils, we are indirectly engaging their families and neighbourhoods, too.' Mohd Norlisam said SWM Environment was working with local councils and recycling facilities to ensure all collected materials were properly processed and reintegrated into the supply chain. 'Participating schools have already started mobilising their pupils to collect glass bottles and jars, which will be weighed and recorded monthly throughout the campaign period. 'Schools with the highest collection volumes and most creative initiatives will be recognised at the end of the challenge,' he said. He also hoped the programme could be expanded to other states, noting Johor's strong track record in community- driven recycling efforts. Also present at the launch were Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) councillor Datuk Abd Rashid Kasman and Johor Education Department Science and Mathematics unit assistant director Dr Mohd Munir Baharom.
New Straits Times
31-07-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
MBJB clears 32 tonnes of rubbish from ex-teacher's home
JOHOR BARU: A former teacher's 30-year obsession with collecting junk inside his double-storey house in Taman Sentosa has finally been brought to an end, after neighbours endured decades of stench, vermin, and snakes. Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) workers and volunteers removed 32 tonnes of trash from the elderly man's home this week, in what has been described as one of the district's worst domestic hoarding cases on record. The man, now in his 70s, had turned his home into a festering dumpsite under the guise of a hobby, much to the dismay of his neighbours, who complained of foul odours and a plague of pests spilling into their homes. MBJB council member for the housing estate, Sally Ng, said the situation inside and outside the house was appalling. Termite mounds were found inside, and the place was infested with rats, cockroaches, and even snakes. The clean-up, which began on Sunday (July 27), saw the deployment of 35 volunteers, including from MBJB, SWM Environment, and the police. Among the items cleared were rusted rice cookers, broken furniture, shattered crockery, and thousands of empty cans and bottles. "Neighbours told us he hasn't lived inside the house for years. He sleeps in the back alley because the trash had overtaken every inch of space, including the garage, which completely buried his car," Ng said. Despite numerous complaints over the years, full-scale clean-up efforts were stalled due to the man's refusal to cooperate. Only the garage area was previously cleared, and even that was refilled with rubbish within days, she said. The man insisted his collection was worth RM8,000, particularly the metal items. However, volunteers managed to separate the recyclable goods and raised a mere RM1,000, which was handed over to him as a gesture of goodwill. "He still claimed the rubbish was worth more, but everything was rotted, rusted, or ruined," Ng added. The man is believed to be estranged from his family. His Taiwanese wife is said to have returned to her home country years ago, while his three sons, living in Singapore, have allegedly distanced themselves due to his behaviour. Efforts are underway to get him psychological help, as he previously refused assistance from the Welfare Department. "If left alone, this situation will only repeat itself," Ng said. "We hope he'll finally agree to proper care and support."
The Star
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Statewide scrub-up for tourism push in Johor
A contractor from SWCorp using a high-pressure water jet to clean walkways during 'Operasi Tanpa Debu' in Legaran Segget, Johor Baru. — Courtesy photo SOME 40 high-pressure jetting lorries have been dispatched around the city as Johor Baru gears up for Visit Johor 2026. Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said 'Operasi Tanpa Debu' (Dust-Free Operation) was aimed at enhancing cleanliness in high-traffic zones in anticipation of increased tourists for the coming year. 'Besides being rubbish-free, we want the city to be dust-free and dirt-free to better welcome our visitors. Khalid (centre) says scheduled cleaning work at tourist spots in Iskandar Puteri and Mersing are also underway. 'We want the streets to look like those in developed countries – well-maintained and always looking new. 'This will no longer be just a vision,' said Khalid during a cleaning operation at Legaran Segget, which involved three high-pressure cleaning lorries and a road-sweeper machine, supported by 15 cleaning personnel. He added that SWCorp, in collaboration with SWM Environment and Johor Baru City Council, began the cleaning operation in June on a scheduled basis at key public areas. 'We started work in tourist-oriented areas such as Puteri Harbour in Iskandar Puteri, Laman Kreatif Kluang and Dataran Kembara in Mersing. 'Public spaces such as markets, transport terminals, walkways and other tourist spots are being prioritised,' said Khalid, adding that the cleaning process was completely chemical-free and relied only on water pressure. He added that SWCorp has taken this new approach across the state, starting with areas that have a high volume of tourists. 'We understand that cleanliness and aesthetic appeal in these areas will attract more tourists to explore the surrounding communities,' said Khalid. 'Legaran Segget will soon have brand-new look and visitors from beyond Johor and Malaysia will return home with stories of Johor Baru's charm and beauty.'
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Johor schools target 30 tons of glass bottles in SWM recycling campaign
JOHOR BAHRU: SWM Environment Sdn Bhd and Yayasan Johor Corporation have launched the Cabaran Kaca Pun Boleh recycling campaign, targeting 30 tonnes of glass bottles from 60 primary schools in Johor. The initiative, running from this month until November, seeks to promote environmental awareness and sustainable waste management. Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin, corporate general manager of SWM Environment, said the campaign highlights the benefits of glass recycling while encouraging community participation. 'We've introduced the Creative Glass Bottle Recycling Video Competition and the STEM Innovation Challenge to engage teachers, students, parents, and the public,' he said. The programme builds on existing efforts like the KITARecycle Glass Bottles campaign and Glass Bottle Recycling Corner.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Making recycling convenient, rewarding in Bandar Sri Sendayan
(From left) Sarah, Mohd Norlisam, Arul Kumar, Lee and Chai at the launch of the KITARecyle drive-through centre in Bandar Sri Sendayan. A DEVELOPER has unveiled a drive-through recycling centre in its Bandar Sri Sendayan township, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Pusat Pandu Lalu KITARecycle at d'Tempat Country Club in the township near Seremban, Negri Sembilan, allows residents to conveniently drop off recyclables such as paper, plastics, aluminium, e-waste and fabric. The initiative by Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd is supported by integrated solid waste management and public cleansing provider SWM Environment, Seremban City Council and fabric recycling social enterprise Kloth Cares. Matrix Concepts co-chief executive officer Chai Keng Wai said the initiative was built around a rewards-based recycling system via SWM Environment's KITARecycle app, which empowers users to convert recyclables into redeemable points and ultimately, cash. 'Our ambition with the recycling centre is simple – to make recycling easy, rewarding and a natural part of everyday life. 'At the heart of this initiative is a simple but powerful idea, that people are more likely to care when they see the impact of their actions,' Chai said. Since its inception in 2019, the KITARecycle programme has collected over 716 tonnes of recyclable waste in Negri Sembilan. Through the app, users can register to track their recycling activities, earn points and redeem them for cash rewards. A unique QR code system ensures a smooth experience for both regular and first-time users. 'Plans are underway to expand the recycling centre concept across Matrix's townships and developments in the Klang Valley and Johor,' said Chai. 'Together with SWM Environment and Kloth Cares, our long-term goal is to achieve 50 tonnes of recyclables collected within the first 12 months of this facility's opening.' He said Matrix Concepts was also setting up KITARecycle stations within its business entities, including the group's headquarters, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and hospitality division, reinforcing their commitment to consistent, accessible and organisation-wide recycling practices. Recyclable items eligible for KITARecycle points collection include paper products such as old newspapers, magazines and cardboard, plastics like PET bottles and containers, aluminium cans, steel items, used cooking oil and e-waste. Kloth Cares fabric upcycling bins have also been incorporated into the initiative to address the growing challenge of textile waste, with donated clothes sorted based on material and condition, with wearable items reused or repurposed. Non-wearable textiles are processed into rags and cleaning cloths, or transformed into new fabric-based products. State local government development, housing and transport committee chairman J. Arul Kumar, who launched the recycling facility, lauded the initiative as a commendable example of public-private collaboration. 'This programme reflects how sustainability can be championed at all levels, from corporations to individual households. 'It supports Negri Sembilan's green agenda and is fully aligned with Malaysia's vision for smart, low-carbon cities,' he said. Also at the launch were Matrix Concepts group executive director Kelvin Lee Chin Chuan, SWM Environment corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin and Kloth Cares co-founder and director of operations Sarah Kedah.
