SMK Main Convent Interact Club Organise Environment Awareness Camp in Conjunction with World Earth Day 2019

April 21 2019

Dr. Richard Ng is assisted by Ms Koghi in planting a tree

200 interactors from various schools in Ipoh converged at SMK Main Convent, Ipoh, Perak to participate in the Environment Awareness Camp. The event was organised by the Interact Club of SMK Main Convent led by its President, Soneeta Kaur and Community Service Director, Dharushini Subramaniam. The interactors taking part in the event include SMK Main Convent, SMK Anderson, SMK St. Michael, SMK Anglo Chinese School, SMK Perak Girls School and SMK Methodist Girls School.

Group photo with interactors who took part in the separation of recyclables 

The event was graced by Mr. Francis Martin who is the incoming President of Ipoh Rotary Club. Presents in the event include guest speaker Associate Professor Dr. Richard Ng, Chairman of KOHIJAU and Ipoh City Watch and wife Mdm Tina Leong, an alumni of SMK Main Convent. Others include teacher advisers Miss Koghilawati and Mdm Tee Sim Mei and Parent Teacher Adviser representative, Mr. S. S. Pannir.

From left: Pannir, Dr. Richard Ng, Mdm Tina Leong, Mr, Francis Martin, Ms Koghi, Mdm Tee, Dharushini Subramaniam and Ms Soneeta Kaur

The highlight of the event is a talk on “Global Warming and What We Could Do to Save Our Planet” by Associate Professor Dr. Richard Ng, Chairman of Ipoh City Watch/KOHIJAU. In his talk, Dr. Richard Ng spoke about World Earth Day which is celebrated throughout the world in 192 countries and participated by over 1 billion people each year on April 22. The theme of this year’s World Earth Day is “Protect Our Species’, which gels well with the camp’s theme “When we heal the Earth, we heal ourselves.”

One for the album. Group photo with all the participants of Environment Awareness Camp

Dr. Ng reminded all the interactors of the objective of the camp and their responsibilities to help ensure we do something to protect the Earth and all the living species. This can be achieved if we reduce garbage especially plastics from going to the landfill as plastics take more than 500 years to decompose. Methane gas released from plastics will cause temperature to rise 20 times higher than CO2, thus affect the greenhouse gas composition which absorb the infrared radiation and increase global warming.

He advised all the interactors to embrace the 3R culture of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in order to help reduce carbon footprint which is a measure of the greenhouse gas. He also gave tips on how interactors can reduce carbon footprint by saying no to plastics such as plastic straws, utensils, food packaging and shopping bags. He advised the student to inform their parents to bring their own reusable bags when doing shopping. Plastic bags from the shops should not be used to pack garbage but instead they should use oxo-biodegradable plastic bags which can decompose at a shorter period.

Tree planting session

Besides practicing 3R, he urges everyone present to plant trees as tree will absorb carbon dioxide and realease oxygen to balance the greenhouse gas. By recycling 1,000 tonnes of papers we can help save 18 trees from being chopped down in the forest.

According to Miss Soneeta who is the Interact Club President, the event was a success with participation from about 200 fellow interactors. They were fortunate to have Dr. Richard Ng, who is an award winning NGO social activist in climate change as their guest speaker for their environment programme to help them understand the importance of healing the earth by protecting the environment. By doing that we can become satisfied and heal our pain through reducing the suffering by others including all living things on this planet.

After the talk, all the invited guests and interactors plant trees within the school compound followed by plogging and other upcycling activities.  

Launching of KOHIJAU Trash2Cash Sustainable Recycling System

28 Feb 2019

Launching by Tuan Haji Abd Hadi Bin Mohd Salleh at Jelapang Tambahan

KOHIJAU took another bolder step by introducing a new Trash2Cash Sustainable Recycling System which is used to educate the public especially among the B40 group of societies.

           Gimmick launch of KOHIJAU Trash2Cash System by Tuan Haji Abd Hadi Bin Mohd Salleh at Jelapang Tambahan

The system was launched at a simple ceremony organised in collaboration with Rukun Tetangga Jelapang's Cleanliness Campaign, at Lorong Jelapang 16 in Jelapang Tambahan on 24 February 2019 by the Perak Director of the Department of Unity and National Integration, Tuan Haji Abd Hadi Bin Mohd Salleh, who oversee the running of Rukun Tetangga in Perak.

In his speech, Tuan Haji Hadi congratulated the Rukun Tetangga Jelapang for their effort in organising such an event which have great impact on the people. Besides fostering unity and bringing the community together, the campaign especially the Trash2Cash syste can help the B40 folks in Jelapang Tambahan to earn supplement income while keeping the environment clean.

Sample Member's KOHIJAU Trash2Cash Barcode Stickers

He also congratulated KOHIJAU's Chairman, Associate Professor Dr Richard Ng, for his tireless effort in promoting recycling. He joked that Dr Richard is qualified to be awarded the Champion of Environment award to help the society embrace recycling through the Social Business concept where the focus is to solve social problem while generating income to sustain the activities.

Earlier, Dr Richard Ng give a briefing on the Trash2Cash System to the participants. According to him, the Trash2Cash  system allows participants who segregate their garbage into three main categories of recyclables mainly Plastics, Papers and Metal and either bring them to the KOHIJAU's designated collection centre twice a month during collection schedule and get paid cash based on market rate. Participants can also choose to drop their segregated recyclables, paste a membership barcode sticker before dropping into KOHIJAU's recycling bin at participating locations.

The system is based on sharing concept where recycling members get paid for their recyclables based on market rate. KOHIJAU collects the recyclables and sell it to an appointed recycler, who will pay KOHIJAU a higher rate. The difference, after deducting payment to members, will then be shared among the collector, the Social Business Units (who are KOHIJAU's partners in recycling) and KOHIJAU. Thus everyone involved in the system will get paid based on amount of recyclables contributed by members and results in a sustainable recycling system.

For the system to be successful, all participants must play their roles in segregating their garbage and ensure only clean recyclables are brought in.

According to Dr Richard, the system is based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour concept where humans are perceived to be rational and have control over what they do which leads to their belief and intention towards attaining a particular behaviour.

This is the third recycling version introduced by KOHIJAU. The first version was launched on April 2015 and used successfully in Jelapang Tambahan using the simple direct thrash for cash method. The second version was launched in January 2017 using the ICYCLE recycling point system, where members collect recycling points which can then be redeemed with cash or coupons. The system however was not well received by the public especially the B40 group where they find much hassle in checking their points and redemption via online.

This third version pay contributors cash upon delivery and weight during collection day. Contributors who dropped their recyclables into designated bins through our Social Business Units or Partners will have their recyclables weight and paid into their bank account end of every month based on current market price. This way members do not have to wait to get paid for their efforts.

KOHIJAU hope to launch at several locations via Rukun Tetangga or schools as partners. There is no joining fee as members or partners. All they have to do is to fill a form which can be obtained throug whatsapp services via 013-5330989 or e-mail to kohijau.perak@gmail.com.

KOHIJAU awarded the Anugerah Rakan Perpaduan

17 Feb 2019

KOHIJAU receive another award. This time from Jabatan Perpaduan dan Kesejahteraan Sosial where KOHIJAU was presented with the Anugerah Rakan Perpaduan.

KOHIJAU's treasurer, Mr. Thinakaran Sarangabanly received the award on behalf of KOHIJAU from Deputy Minister of National Unity and Social Wellbeing, YB Datuk Wira Dr. Md Farid Bin Md Rafik on 17 Feb 2019. Presence include Perak State Department of National Unity and Integration Director,Tuan Haji Abd Hadi Bin Mohd Salleh and three other KOHIJAU board members, Halida Ali, Azura and Ninderjeet Kaur.

The award was given to KOHIJAU in recognition of its continuous efforts in helping Rukun Tetangga in Perak in promoting Social Business via a sustainable "Trash to Cash" recycling system.

One of the most successful programmes was carried out with RT Jelapang for folks in Jelapang Tambahan to help them earn additional income, reduce garbage from ending up in illegal dumpsites and rivers, reduce dengue cases as well as improve the wellness of the people. This is in line with SDG Agenda 2030 where "No one should be left behind".

The project which was started in April 2015 has also been awarded the JCIM SDA 2018 "Best of the Best" and "Best in Climate Change" awards in September 2018.

YB Datuk Rusnah Kassim (Centre) helped launch the Trash2Cash Sustainable Recycling System together with Puan Hajah Fatimah Ahmad, Perak SWCorp Director on 4th April 2015 

Dr. Richard Ng together with other KOHIJAU's board member on stage to receive the JCIM SDA2018 "Best of the Best Award" from UN Asia Residence Director on Sept 10, 2018

Todate, KOHIJAU has helped several NGOs and organisations and schools in recycling activities. Some of them has won national awards. These include; RT Jelapang, Selama District Police HQ, Kpg Slim Village, SMK Raja Perempuan Ipoh and SMK Yuk Choy Ipoh.

Dr. Richard Ng, Puan Noraini and Mr. Thinakaran at Jelapang to collect recyclables from shops who particpated in the Trash2Cash recycling system

Dr. Richard Ng was presented the Letter of Commendation from Selama Police District Chief in 2018 for his effort in helping them in emerging as National Champion for Cleanliness and Recycling

The projects were spearheaded by KOHIJAU's chairman, Associate Prof. Dr. Richard Ng in collaboration with Perak SWCorp and Ipoh City Council.

April 15, 2015 By Tan Mei Kuan

Dr. Richard Ng (2nd from left) and Datuk Rusnah Kassim (centre) launching the Trash to Cash Recycling System

The first community recycling project involving the residents of Kampung Jelapang Tambahan was launched by the Executive Councillor for Women Development, Family and Welfare, Dato’ Hajah Rusnah Kassim at the Jelapang Community Hall recently. The programme was jointly organised by Ipoh City Watch, Perak Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation and Rukun Tetangga Jelapang.

With the rise of illegal dump sites in the city, this first-of-a-kind programme is aimed at inculcating good habits in residents and to encourage them to keep the environment clean. This can be achieved by garbage separation and recycling which can help residents to earn an extra income.

Kampung Jelapang Tambahan, which has some 226 households, was picked to spearhead this programme thus becoming the first community in Malaysia to use this technique of garbage separation.

Residents are taught how to separate unwanted items into various recyclable categories before selling it to an appointed collector who comes every Saturday from 8am-11am.

The weight of the items collected would be recorded for a period of 3 months and a correlation be established between the weight and the number of illegal dumpsites. The success of this project would create a model which could be emulated by other resident associations in Malaysia.

In her speech, Dato’ Hajah Rusnah called on Ipohites to support the initiative in order to achieve success. “If they don’t come forward, nothing will happen,” she said during the press conference.

http://www.ipohecho.com.my/v4/article/2015/04/16/community-recycling-model-launched

Issues on Plastics and In-action by the Perak State Government

30 January 2019

According a study in 2015, Malaysia is the eighth largest global producer of mismanaged plastic waste, generating 4,505,717 kg of plastic waste a day. Plastic waste is the second biggest type of waste in the country after food. The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association said in April that every Malaysian throws away 300 plastic bags a year on average.

Each year between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are used globally, according to industry estimates, with fewer than 10 per cent recycled. Many end up in the world's oceans or dumped in landfill. More than 8 million tonnes of plastics enter the ocean each year, and marine experts fear there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050, measured by weight. Plastic degrades over time into tiny particles which are ingested by marine life, harming the food chain and environment.

The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change have mooted the Roadmap to Zero Single-Use Plastic 2018-2030 to lay plans on how it can be reduced and even better, eliminate the consumption of single-use plastic by 2030.

In Perak, the state government took a bold step by announcing the first phase of a state-wide ban on plastic bags and polystyrene containers effective 1^st of June 2016. At the time, it said the move would be implemented in stages — from state government offices in June 2016 to a full public enforcement a year later. However, a year later the state called off the ban, saying it would be rescheduled after further studies were carried out.

When the new Pakatan Government took over Perak on May 9, 2018, many NGOs including Ipoh City Watch have called for the banned to be enforced again but the new Perak State Exco said they will have to study on the impact especially to plastic manufacturers.

In Perak, over 200,000 tonnes of garbage are generated by households and 30 per cent, or about 65,000 tonnes, is made up of plastics.

There is no need to have further studies when single use plastics has been banned in Selangor, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor without much problem. The present government must not drag its feet about the proposal and other policies to save the environment.

There were many options open to the authorities, but needs a strong political will to implement it. Traders should be forced to use biodegradable or recyclable plastic containers, while plastic straws and disposal plastic plates, forks and spoons must be banned.

The enforcement can be carried out by business licensing authorities like local councils. Traders who ignore this ruling will have their business license revoked.

Plastic manufacturers have been warned long ago to change their business so as to adhere to the new sustainable environment requirements.

There should be no excuse that their business is badly affected by the ruling as there are many industries that have closed down due to destructive technology as well as changes in demography and market demands. They should start embracing new technologies and turn to other products.

The state government can also start to implement ‘no plastic days’ and enforced it during weekends, where the charges on consumers who insist on using plastic bags could fund non-governmental organisations to help educate the public on environmental initiatives.

For a start, all government functions or meetings should have no plastic bottles on tables at all, no straws, and no plastic wrapping on food. The government must also step up effort to organize campaign by collaborating with environmental NGOs such as the “Best of Best” and “Best in Climate Change” 2018  award winner KOHIJAU, which have been promoting the Trash2Cash sustainable recycling system where members can now segregate their recyclables and drop them at selected collection centres and get paid in cash as a reward.

In Kuala Lumpur, the ban on the use of plastic straws has taken effect from 1^st January 2019.

During the recent Executive Talk in Ipoh, the Perak Chief Minister in his 2019 new year address has reminded all government agencies to serve the people especially in fulfilling their GE14 election manifestos, one of which is the green initiatives which has yet to see any impact.

Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister has raised her concern about environment especially plastic solutions and want more effort to be done to promote a recycling culture. So here in Perak, KOHIJAU and some other NGOs is hoping the state government to be proactive and be serious in fighting plastic pollutions

Group of NGOs reaching out to society via NGO Carnival in conjunction with 37th Edition of Ipoh Car Free Day

27 January 2019

Perak MB Dato' Seri Ahmad Faizal (3rd from right) and YB Hasnul Zulkarnain (4th from right) during the launch of Karnival NGO Prihatin Perak

Perak MB flagged off the cycling team during Ipoh Car Free Day

A group of 25 NGOs in Perak under a coalition known as the Gabungan NGO Prihatin Perak organised an NGO Carnival themed “We Care” recently in conjunction with the 37^th edition of the Ipoh Car Free Day. The programme held in collaboration with Ipoh City Council was graced by Perak Chief Minister, Dato Seri Ahmad Faizal Bin Dato’ Azumu. Also presence include Perak State Exco for NGO, Hasnul Zulkarnain, Tualang Sekah State Assemblyman, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin, new Perak State Secretary, Zainal Azman and Ipoh City Council Secretary, Zakuan Zakaria.

Perak MB delivering his opening speech during Karnival NGO Prihatin launching

Cycling to the venue of Karnival Ngo Prihatin. From left: Dato Jurey Rosli, Dr. Richard Ng, YB Hasnul Zulkarnain, Perak MB, and Perak State Secretary

A total of 30 booths participated by members of the coalition and several government agencies including Ipoh City Council, Perak Water Board, Raja Perempuan Bainun Hospital, National Anti-Narcotics Agency and Perak Crime Prevention and Community Policing were on display to showcase to the public on the services offered by the NGOs. Over 5,000 people attended the event, which was held every 4^th Sunday of the month to help promote Ipoh as a low carbon city.

Part of the Yayasan Pendidikan Kampar team performing the zumba

Pertubuhan Wanita Prihatin Perak with MB Perak promoting "Say to to Smoking"

Among the NGO participating in the carnival include; Pertubuhan Wanita Prihatin Perak, Yayasan Pendidikan Kampar, Teduhan Kelana, Puteri Islam, KOHIJAU/Ipoh City Watch, Perak Dementia Association, Malaysia Hindu Sangam and Lions Club of Perak Silver State.

Dr. Richard Ng with Malaysia Hindu Sangam team

Perak MB and YB Hasnul at KOHIJAU's booth with the "Best of Best" and "Best in Climate Change" trophies

 According to NGO coalition chairman, Prof. Dr. Richard Ng, the carnival was mooted to provide information to the public about the various social services available. It was in line with their slogan “We care” to make aware to the public that there are NGOs in Perak who are helmed by people with various expertise and are passionate in serving the society. He hoped that the carnival can also help to get the youths especially school students to take part as volunteers to help provide various services to the society mentored by the NGOs.

YB Hasnul Zulkarnain with KOHIJAU's team

Among the services being showcased by the NGOs include health care for the elderly and disabled people, education services for the minority group, environmental and recycling awareness, skills display by the homeless, information on dementia and religious studies. Also available free for the public include eyes and ears checkup, diabetics and hypertension checkup, and display of various culture.

At the closing ceremony with YB Hasnul and members of Gabungan NGO Prihatin Perak

During his opening speech, Ahmad Faizal congratulated the NGO coalition adviser Datin Normah Hanum and chairman, Prof. Dr. Richard Ng for their success in bringing over 30 NGOs and government agencies to come together to showcase their services. He stressed that NGO plays important role as the third force in helping the society with various social problems. He also congratulated KOHIJAU for being awarded the JCIM SDA2018 “Best of the Best” and “Best in Climate Change” award which make Perak proud as the best NGO in Malaysia for its Sustainable Development Goal efforts.

He later flagged off the cycling team and make a tour to the booths being displayed along the 2km Jalan Raja DiHilir in front of Raja Perempuan Taayah school. Perak Chief Minister later mingled with the participants at the PORT booth and visited a few of the booth before rushing to KL.

YB Hasnul Zulkarnain has consented to do the official closing ceremony. During the closing ceremony, Gabungan NGO Prihatin Adviser, Datin Normah Hanum thanked everyone for their hardwork and contributions to ensure the success of the programme. Four booths under the NGO category were adjudged among the best decorated booth. They are: 1. Yayasan Pendidikan Kampar, 2. Malaysia Hindu Sangam Perak, 3. KOHIJAU and 4. Puteri Islam. In the other non NGO related category; 1. People of Remarkable Talent (PORT),  2. Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sikh (PPIS)  
3. Hospital Raja Perempuan Bainun (HRPB) and 4. Lembaga Air Perak (LAP). 

He presented certificates of appreciation to representatives of NGOs participating in the booth. In his closing speech, he congratulated the participants which comprised of multi ethnic group and commended them for making the effort to come together and work as a team to prove that we can all co-exist in harmony helping each other and the society.

The carnival which began at 7.00am ended at 10.00am.

The Gabungan NGO Prihatin Committee members that have work very hard to ensure the smooth running of the NGO Carnival