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

First Garden Flats get a major clean-up - The Star Metro Perak

10 Jan 2018 by Amanda Yeap

THE utterly filthy and deplorable conditions of the privately-owned First Garden Flats prompted both the state government and Ipoh City Council to hold a massive integrated intervention last Saturday morning.

The city council, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), non-governmental organisations and state officials, including the mentri besar himself, visited the 30-year-old property to clean it up.

Determined to improve the cleanliness of the housing project, state authorities also took the time to conduct a thorough study and interview residents to get down to the root cause of the abysmal living conditions in the area.

Of the 280 units, only 127 are occupied. According to State Women’s Development, Family, Community Welfare, Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Rusnah Kassim, most of the occupants of the housing project are tenants and not the real owners of the units.

Zambry (right, wearing cap) helped to clear the rubbish during the gotong-royong in First Garden Flats. —Photos: RONNIE CHIN/The Star

Rusnah said one of the proposals is to form a Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) here.

“After interviewing several residents about cleanliness problems, we have also received reports about several damaged parts of the building that makes the place uninhabitable for them.

“The AADK is also here with us today to monitor the place based on reports mentioning the presence of drug addicts.

“With a KRT established, not only will we have an effective committee to resolve cleanliness issues, but also to ensure the safety of residents here as the Rukun Tetangga can conduct patrols,” she said during the gotong-royong session.

Rusnah also said she will be meeting with all the residents here soon to offer some insight and advice for them on keeping their surroundings clean.

“This will come after I raise the proposal to establish the KRT in the State Executive Council meeting this week.

“Once approval is obtained, we will look into electing the right person to lead the committee because strong leadership is important.

“The appointed chairman must be strict and be able to command the respect of the residents here, otherwise it wodn’t be effective,” she said.

Ipoh Mayor Datuk Zamri Man said, aside from setting up a KRT, the city council will ensure that a joint management body (JMB) is established to contribute to the building’s maintenance.

Zambry (wearing cap) with Rusnah (in tudung) visited the flats with government agencies and NGOs to clean up the area and learn first-hand about issues affecting residents.

“It is compulsory for every flat building like this to form a JMB so that issues to do with the amenities like the cleanliness of common areas, lighting, safety and comfort can be swiftly dealt with.

“We will also delegate several elected representatives from the city council to be part of the JMB in the hopes that after this, the building will be better maintained,” he said.

Asked if the flat currently has a JMB, Zamri said, based on current records, the housing project does not have one.

“This could be due to several factors, such as unwillingnessto cooperate.

“We need to implement this as quickly as possible to help inculcate a sense of responsibility among the residents here,” he said.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said it was appalling to see so many piles of rubbish had accumulated in and around the flats.

Ipoh City Watch and other NGOs took part in the clean-up works 

“It is saddening to see. We cannot simply point our fingers at one party and pin the blame on them, as I believe there are a multitude of causes for this problem, such as social conditions, neighbourhood conditions, and the lack of responsibility shown by those who live here,” he said.

Zambry stressed that his visit to First Garden Flats was to lead various state authorities to conduct an overall analysis to identify the causes of and ways to resolve longstanding problems in the flats.

“This won’t be solved in a day. We have to look at all aspects because it’s not only due to poverty.

“There are certain poor areas in the state that are well-maintained and kept clean by residents. Looking at the area and nature of the problem, I’m sure many deep-seated issues can be addressed,” he said.

Cleaners had a busy day clearing rubbish which included furniture and appliances.

The First Garden Flats was in a deplorable condition for years until the major clean up last Saturday

However, Zambry said, at the end of the day, it is still up to the residents to take responsibility and continue to maintain the building.

“The government can impose various rules and regulations, but the residents also have to show initiative as they are the ones living here.

“They must be responsible about looking after their neighbourhood. They cannot simply expect the city council or state government to always come in and clean up for them,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/01/10/first-garden-flats-get-a-major-cleanup-various-government-agencies-and-ngos-visit-area-to-clear-surr/

Kohijau aims to recruit 10,000 members for recycling programme - The Star Metro Perak

27 July 2017

Ng (right) exchanging documents with EBM Global Recycling of Philippines representative Amy Zamora Milana on the Kohijau iCycle system. Looking on is Rusnah.

KOPERASI Alam Hijau Perak Bhd (Kohijau), a non-governmental recycling organisation, is hoping to recruit 10,000 members by year end for its recycling programme.

Its chairman Associate Prof Dr Richard Ng said some 3,000 members had signed up to participate in the Kohijau-iCycle recycling reward point system.

He said under the system, contributors of recyclables were rewarded with cash or shopping vouchers, and they had a chance to win prizes through lucky draws held on a quarterly basis.

“The total number of recyclables collected until end of June is about 30,000kg, which means each member contributed an average of 10kg of recyclables.

“If we get 10,000 members, on an average, we will be able to collect 100,000 tonnes of recyclables, which would otherwise go to landfills,” he said in his speech before state executive councillor Datuk Rusnah Kassim launched the reward point system at the Loyal Garden Residences.

During the event, Kohijau also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EBM Global Recycling of Philippines to use the reward system at the city of Tay Tay.

The Philippines was the third country after Kerala in India and Guang Zhou in China to sign with Kohijau.

Loyal Garden, which was the first condominium in Perak to embark on such an initiative, aimed for a zero waste community.

Tanjung Malim District Council’s councillor Habibah Yaakob showing the unused banners that she collects to make aprons and grocery bags.

Ng, who was also Ipoh City Watch president, said the management committee of the condominium would get its members and residents to separate their garbage and drop their recyclables at the Kohijau bin sponsored by the developer, Datuk Chan Chee Seng.

He said the management committee would be rewarded with 30% of the sales of the recyclables collected and contributing members would also be given 30%.

“This is part of the social business city concept implemented by Kohijau to help generate additional funds for collaborating organisations, while helping to keep the environment clean,” he added.

Ng said Kohijau had installed 40 bins throughout the state since September last year and another 15 bins would be installed next month and in September.

“We target to have 100 bins installed throughout Perak by the end of the year,” he added.

Rusnah, in her speech, said at one point, Ipoh was listed as the cleanest city in the country and along the way, it was no longer recognised as such.

She said currently, Perak was the second cleanest state, according to a Tourism Malaysia report.

“We want to be the best again and therefore we must do our part, and be responsible enough to ensure we achieve that target.

“In order for us to stay healthy, we must ensure that our surroundings and the environment is clean, and I am confident we can achieve that.

“As the saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness, therefore recycling and keeping our surroundings clean must be our goal,” she added.

http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/07/27/kohijau-aims-to-recruit-10000-members-for-recycling-programme/

KOHIJAU-ICYCLE Recycling System Launching in Muallim District

April 28, 2017

Muallim District became the first district in Perak to launch 10 bins for the collection of recyclables using the KOHIJAU-ICYCLE system on 28 April 2017.

The bins were launched by YB Datuk Hjh Rusnah Kassim, the Perak State Exco and State Assembly woman for Behrang at Taman Tasik YDP, Slim River. It was also attended by the District Offcier, Puan Norsham and YDP of Tanjong Malim. Also present include Dr. CS Tan, CEO of ICYCLE (M) Sdn. Bhd.

The programme began with Aerobic Session and then followed by a briefing on KOHIJAU-ICYCLE Recycling Reward Point System by Dr. Richard Ng, Chairman of KOHIJAU. Students and staff of IPD OUM as well as volunteers from KOHIJAU were also present to lend support.

Drive Throw mudah buang sampah - Sinar Harian

May 1, 2017

TELUK INTAN - Pernahkah anda terfikir kaedah drive thru atau pandu lalu digunakan untuk membuang sampah?

Bunyinya agak pelik kerana kaedah ini biasanya digunakan di restoran makanan segera sahaja.

Namun tidak bagi Majlis Perbandaran Teluk Intan (MPTI) apabila memperkenalkan kaedah itu untuk memudahkan orang ramai membuang sampah terus dari kenderaan mereka tanpa perlu memarkir kereta sebelum membuangnya di dalam tong yang disediakan.

Kaedah Drive Throw ini dilihat memudahkan orang ramai membuang sampah menggunakan kaedah pandu lalu dan memastikan sampah dibuang di dalam tong yang disediakan dan bukan dilonggokkan di tepi tong sampah.

Exco Kerajaan Negeri, Datuk Rusnah Kasim berkata, dengan pengenalan Drive Throw tersebut, Perak muncul sebagai negeri pertama yang mengambil inisiatif untuk melancarkan program  itu di Pasar Awam Langkap.

"Ia bukan drive thru macam restoran makanan segera tetapi Drive Throw yang mana kita pandu lalu dan buang sampah ke dalam tong disediakan.

"Bila kita dengar memang agak lucu, tetapi pendekatan ini merupakan satu inisiatif yang akan memudahkan kerja seharian masyarakat setempat," katanya kepada pemberita selepas Hari Mengemas Perak Yang Bersih sempena Program Permukiman Menteri Besar di Hilir Perak, baru-baru ini.

Rusnah turut berharap, inisiatif diperkenalkan MPTI ini akan diambil serius serta diaplikasikan oleh Pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) seluruh Perak malah juga dalam negara selepas ini.

"Saya harap dengan adanya inisiatif MPTI ini melalui Drive Throw ia akan mewujudkan sebuah komuniti yang mempunyai kesedaran dalam menjaga kebersihan di sekitar daerah Hilir Perak dan seterusnya seluruh Perak.

"Bagi memudahkan pengguna, MPTI meletakkan tong sampah besar lengkap dengan sebuah papan tanda Pusat Pembuangan Sampah Pandu Lalu dan ia amat mesra pengguna,” katanya.

Sementara itu, penduduk Langkap, Osman Ahmad, 53, berkata, pada mulanya dia dan penduduk sekitar ketawa apabila mendengar akan dibina tempat membuang sampah secara pandu lalu.

"Mula-mula dengar memang lucu sebab fikir selalunya orang buat untuk restoran makanan segera, tapi bila dah siap hasilnya mengagumkan.

"Malah sejak adanya Drive Throw ini, saya selalu guna motor ikut laluan disediakan, kemudian campak sampah dalam tong, amat mudah,” katanya.

Katanya, dia berharap kerajaan akan memperbanyakkan lagi kaedah itu supaya dapat mengatasi masalah sikap pemalas segelintir masyarakat melonggokkan sampah di tepi tong sampah yang disediakan.

Bukan Drive Thru Tapi Drive Throw - Suara Perak

April 21, 2017

TELUK INTAN: Perak menjadi negeri pertama yang mengambil inisiatif untuk melancarkan program Drive Throw iaitu sistem membuang sampah yang membolehkan penduduk membuang sampah tanpa perlu turun dari kenderaan.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga, Kebajikan Masyarakat, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan, Datuk Rusnah Kasim berkata, pendekatan itu merupakan satu inspirasi yang akan memudahkan kerja seharian masyarakat setempat.

“Bila kita dengar memang agak lucu, sebab dia Drive Throw bukan Drive Thru macam McD atau KFC, tetapi sebenarnya ia amat meringankan kerja rakyat dan saya harap ia akan diambil serius dan diaplikasikan oleh Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) seluruh negeri Perak, sebagai permulaan,” katanya kepada Suara Perak ketika ditemui di Pasar Awam Langkap, pada pagi Jumaat.

Menurut beliau, program itu dilancarkan dengan kerjasama Majlis Perbandaran Teluk Intan (MPTI) dalam aktiviti Hari Mengemas Perak Yang Bersih sempena Program Permukiman Menteri Besar di Hilir Perak yang berlangsung selama lima hari sehingga Sabtu ini.

Rusnah berkata, kerjasama MPTI untuk merealisasikan impian untuk program itu diharap akan mewujudkan sebuah komuniti yang mempunyai kesedaran dalam menjaga kebersihan secara asas di sekitar daerah Teluk Intan dan seterusnya ke seluruh Perak.

“Kami letakkan sebuah tong sampah yang besar lengkap dengan sebuah papan tanda, Pusat Pembuangan Sampah Pandu Lalu, ala-ala Drive Thru, tapi bersifat komuniti dan diharapkan menjadi satu ikutan PBT lain di Malaysia pula,” ujarnya.

Katanya, sesi membersihkan Pasar Awam Langkap adalah sebahagian daripada rutin susulan daripada pelancaran Perak Yang Bersih oleh Menteri Besar Perak pada 31 Mac lepas di mana mereka akan melaksanakan Tidy-Up Day atau gotong-royong pada setiap Jumaat ketiga setiap bulan.

Not afraid to get his hands dirty - The Star

3 April 2017

THERE were many surprised looks when Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir was seen raking grass and collecting rubbish in several areas in the city last Friday.

At first glance many assumed it was just a routine clean up involving Ipoh City Council (MBI) workers. However, on closer inspection, members of the public were surprised to see Zambry, Mayor Datuk Zamri Man, and Women Development, Family, Community Welfare, Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman Datuk Rusnah Kassim taking part in the clean-up operation.

Zambry led the clean up in conjunction with the launch of the Perak Yang Bersih (Clean Perak) campaign, designed to improve cleanliness in the state.

While many would have craved a few extra minutes sleep at 6.30am, the Mentri Besar was up and abpit as he and the others gathered at five areas around the city with rakes, brooms, and plastic bags.

The five areas were the Medan Kidd bus station, the iconic Ipoh Railway Station, which turned 100 this year, the Dato Sagor food court famed for its Roti Goyang, and Concubine Lane.

The teams, comprising state government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and schools, cleaned various part of the city.

Many of the participants of the clean up said the two hours they sacrificed was to raise awareness among the public of what needs to be done to make Ipoh a clean city.

Similar activities were also launched simultaneously in towns throughout Perak’s 12 districts, including Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Taiping, and Parit Buntar.

With thousands of people taking part, Zambry said the response from the public was encouraging.

The Mentri Besar had previously stated that he wants Perak to be the cleanest state in the country.

“This will not be a one-off thing. We hope to make this a weekly or monthly event until we create a culture of cleanliness among the people.

“Ipoh is mostly clean, but we can do better. If a someone walks down the street, we want them to have the mindset of picking up any rubbish that they see and disposing of it properly. The most important thing is to educate people. We will also be making cleanliness a measure of performance for local councils,” he told reporters after launching the campaign at the Ipoh Padang.

At the launch, he said that the state government’s mission is to make Perak a clean state and to make sure that happens, the people will have to work together with the authorities.

“I’m doing this for the state and its people. The idea came about when I saw the situation as it is. I go to the city often with the mayor and some places are just not clean.

“After seeing these places and also other areas across the state, I wanted to start this initiative and was further encouraged when the people of Perak and foreigners said Perak is not a dirty state. However, it would be even better if we could brand it as clean and green.

“We are serious about this and the councils will have to meet the target. We are doing this for people of Perak and a clean city or town will ensure a good future for the younger generation.”

Sharing some of his experiences in various cities around the world, Zambry said cleanliness determines how civilised the city is and he hopes Perak will emulate these cities in the near future.

“In Japan, school kids are cleaning toilets before school session starts. They are inculcating the habits at such an early age. We should do that and that’s the spirit we want.

“I believe Perak can achieve this status. If you walk and see rubbish, collect it and put it in a bin,” he said, adding that all 12 districts in the state today launched the program simultaneously.

His walkabout was also telecast live on Facebook and he went on to say that the whole world knows what Perak is all about and what their aim is.

“Political differences aside, let’s do something great for our state and making it clean will only enhance the image of the state in the eyes of the world,” he said.

On Feb 3, Zambry had also joined a similar clean-up operation, collecting rubbish and emptying waste disposal bins, wearing the orange-coloured T-shirt of an MBI general worker.

“People will criticise me by saying this is a publicity stunt, but they can say what they want. For me, it’s about creating awareness about an issue,” he said.

“By working on the ground, we can also motivate the council workers. We want them to know that they are appreciated and that their jwob is a noble one.”

He added that this will continue as long as he is the leader of the state.

“Some call me publicity seeker but I have done this before without any coverage. When I see a need, I do something about it. For me, actions speak louder than words.”

Sorting things out - The Star

28 Sept 2015 By Ivan Loh

Buntong and Lim Garden residents learning how to make compost from household food waste.

THE Solid Waste Management and Public Cleanliness Act 2007 in Perak could be implemented this year.

Perak Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Rusnah Kassim said she has set up a meeting with the Housing and Local Government Minister to discuss the agreement within the next few weeks and hoped to have it signed “soon”.

Rusnah said there were still some terms that needed to be sorted out before the agreement is signed.

“We may go with privatisation.

“However, we want to ensure that the agreement between the Federal and state would not burden the people or the local council workers,” she said after the launch of the Community Recycling Projects for Lim Garden and Buntong at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Buntong last Saturday.

Rusnah said the state, Solid Waste Management and Public Cleanliness Corporation (SWCorp), solid waste management company Environment Idaman Sdn Bhd (E-Idaman) and the Federal Government have already met and discussed the terms of the agreement.

Rusnah (second from left) launching the Community Recycling Project for Buntong and Lim Garden. With her are SWCorp Perak director Fatimah Ahmad (left) and Dr Ng (second from right).

“We felt that 21 years is too long for the agreement.

“We want to review the solid waste management company’s performance every three years,” she said.

Rusnah added that she has checked out E-Idaman’s performance in Kedah.

“The feedback was positive.

“The cleanliness level has improved considerably,” she said, adding that the company has been approved by the Federal Government to service states in the northern region including Perak, Perlis, Kedah and Penang.

Ipoh City Watch president Prof Dr Richard Ng said it was of utmost importance that the state privatises solid waste management.

Dr Ng said the local council lacked the expertise in garbage collection.

The residents signing the recycling campaign banner.

“The Ipoh City Council does not have enough garbage trucks.

“Contracted garbage collectors will not pick up garden waste, making it an ongoing issue,” he said.

“People need to fork out their own money to have the garden waste collected when complaints are made to the city council and this is unfair as people are already paying taxes,” he added.

Dr Ng said the city council did not have enough enforcement officers to go around to deal with those who dispose of garbage indiscriminately.

“The state needs to seriously consider privatisation.

“Once the issue with garbage, drainage and grass is solved, the city council can focus more on greening and developing the city,” he said.

“And, the people will not blame the state government for these issues anymore,” he added.

Rusnah lauded the community recycling project and said people should start learning about garbage separation.

She also said that Pasir Pinji and Manjoi could be the next areas to take on the project.

“I’ve spoken to the Pasir Pinji assemblyman about the recycling project.

“Pasir Pinji is also part of Ipoh and I think the general cleanliness of the area is also important,” she said.