Zuraida: National cleanliness policy starts at home

MELAKA: The National Cleanliness Policy must start with the people, who are responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of their surrounding areas, says Zuraida Kamaruddin.

The Housing and Local Government Minister said the policy was launched to ensure that all types of garbage and its disposal would be managed properly so that the country would be more “prosperous, clean and comfortable”.

“This policy also focuses on the recycling programme and we want the populace in PPR Tehel to turn garbage into a source of supplementary income.

“Currently, we are implementing the programme nationwide and it will be conducted in six places, including Melaka, to create awareness on how to turn garbage to cash and a source of income,’’ she said in her speech at the launching of the policy in conjunction with the national-level World Habitat Day and National Recycling Day here yesterday.

At a press conference later, Zuraida said her ministry could not implement the policy alone and that it required the support and co-operation of the people.

“It is impossible for us to do it alone without the people’s support.

“We’ve just launched the PPR Community Consensus Secretariat and residents’ association so that they can become agents and ensure the area is well looked after.

“They will be briefed on how to ensure recycling activities in this area run smoothly and also be on the lookout against arbitrary garbage disposal,’’ she said.

At the national-level, Zuraida said they would conduct campaigns to remind the public against littering such as the “Dare Reproach” campaign by encouraging Malaysians to tick off those who did not dispose garbage in bins.

Several people interviewed said they supported the new government policy.