Malaysia Cleanup Day 2026 Mobilises Thousands Nationwide to Drive Recycling and Environmental Care

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 – Thousands of people from all walks of life participated in Malaysia Cleanup Day (Hari Cuci Malaysia / HCM) 2026 events across the country on Saturday to foster a culture of cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) in partnership with local authorities (PBT), the annual campaign aims to empower local communities to take active ownership of public spaces rather than relying solely on local councils for solid waste management and facility maintenance.

In TERENGGANU, approximately 1,000 participants from government agencies, higher education institutions, and local communities joined the Clean Terengganu Programme at Teluk Ketapang in Kuala Nerus. State Local Government, Housing, and Health Committee Chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah highlighted the initiative as vital for promoting responsible waste management practices and community gotong-royong.

In PERAK, State Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching reported that 4,000 volunteers joined simultaneous cleanup programs organized across 14 local authority districts. The initiative featured recycling collections, used cooking oil drives, and expanded outreach to local schools to encourage waste separation at source.

In KELANTAN, the Kota Bharu-Islamic City Municipal Council (MPKB-BRI) held its HCM 2026 event at Pasir Tumboh Islamic Satellite Town with about 100 participants. Pasir Tumboh Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rahman Yunus stressed that civic cooperation is essential to maintaining pleasant public spaces and building long-term environmental awareness.

In PENANG, 5,000 participants joined cleanup activities spanning 40 locations statewide—10 under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and 30 under the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP). State Local Government Committee Chairman H’ng Mooi Lye noted that this year’s turnout built upon the strong momentum of HCM 2025, which saw over 118 tonnes of solid waste collected across the state.

In SELANGOR, the Kuala Langat district-level program at the Banting Public Market incorporated recycling drives and eco-cash initiatives for trading in recyclable items and used cooking oil, providing both environmental education and monetary incentives for residents.

In MELAKA, State Secretary Datuk Salhah Salleh launched the state-level program at Taman Maju Recreation Park in Ayer Keroh. The event brought together four local authorities, government agencies, and university students, combining cleanup efforts with a Mega Communal Work campaign to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites.

–NMT