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

Recognition for green effort - Star Metro Perak

17 Sept 2018

Ng (sixth from right) with the Jelapang community during a recycling project.

KOPERASI Alam Hijau Perak Berhad (Kohijau) won two awards at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Malaysia awards ceremony.

The event in collaboration with United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), saw Kohijau winning in the Climate Change category, and the Best of the Best Award 2018.

This was the second year such an event was organised by JCI Malaysia. There were a total of 17 categories.

The award serves to increase awareness of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and for organisations to bring about change through their business activities, innovative products or services and creative contributions toward the goal.

“This is a surprise to all of us, as we are such a small non-governmental organisation (NGO), but with passionate volunteers.

“The big win is the first of its kind for an NGO from Perak and we are very proud of the achievement, more so as we bested bigger corporations and established NGOs,” he said.

Ng said prior to this, Kohijau helped four other communities win awards, including the Premier Award under the Best Innovative Project category won by Rukun Tetangga Jelapang that encouraged the community to supplement their income.

He said last year, Kohijau helped Slim Village emerge third in the National Premier Village award for cleanliness.

“We also helped SMK Raja Perempuan Ipoh emerge national champion in the Toyota Eco Environment project.

“In March this year, we assisted the Selama Police District become the national champion in recycling innovation,” he added.

Ng said Kohijau is grateful to JCI Malaysia for hosting and organising such a prestigious event to reward Malaysian companies and organisations, civil societies and NGOs for their efforts in advancing UN’s SDGs.

He said the Best of the Best Project Award is chosen from the 17 winners based on the most outstanding and sustainable projects, which helps advance the most goals.

The criteria used to select the winners of each category includes how the project is written and presented.

The project must be carried out continuously and sustainable by the organisation staff or volunteers, and not just a one-off affair.

It must also have a large and meaningful impact on the society using a creative and innovative approach.

Ng said Kohijau’s entries were based on its three-year project launched in Jelapang Tambahan in collaboration with the Rukun Tetangga, Perak Solid Waste Management Corporation, and Ipoh City Watch using the social business concept.

The project involved residents from 250 houses, where door-to-door campaigns were used to educate the community to segregate their garbage into recyclables and non-recyclables.

“Collection was carried out twice every month at the centres and the recyclables brought by the residents were weighed.

“The residents were then instantly rewarded with cash according to the weight and type of recyclable contributed.

“Later, a recycling reward point system was introduced and residents were provided with recycling bins for them to drop their recyclables any time at their convenience,” he added.

Ng added to date, some 8,900kg of recyclables had been collected from Jelapang Tambahan and RM3,850 paid out to residents.

He said the recycling rate in this village was 17.5% compared to the average national recycling rate of 10%.

Ng said the 12 illegal dumpsites discovered prior to the recycling campaign had also disappeared and residents were more aware of keeping their environment clean.

“This project has successfully helped salvage 8,900kg of garbage from going to landfills or illegal dumpsites.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/09/17/recognition-for-green-effort-ngo-bags-two-awards-for-its-community-recycling-programme/

High Technology Recycling effort undertaken by Rukun Tetangga Jelapang finally recognised and rewarded

8 July 2018

The recycling project launched in Jelapang Tambahan has finally been recognised. The project mooted by Ipoh City Watch in collaboration with Perak SWCorp and managed by Rukun Tetangga Jelapang since April 2015 under the social business concept, has won the Premier Award under the Best Innovative Project category.

RT Jelapang Chairman, Mr. S. Thinakaran, received the certificate and cash prize award of RM500 from Perak State Chairman for Civil Society, YB Sivanesan witnessed by Perak State Director, Department of Unity and National Integration, Tuan Haji Hadi Awang at a ceremony held at Arena Square, Batu Gajah.

Before the recycling project started in Jelapang Tambahan, there were 12 illegal dumpsites found within the community of about 200 houses. The place was also recorded among the highest dengue cases in Perak.

A recycling system was set up at Jelapang Tambahan where RT Jelapang helped to manage the community to bring their recyclables twice a month. Several gotong royong and house to house campaign were also organised to educate the community. The contributors were paid cash based on the type and weight of the recyclables. This system was carried out until December 2016.

When Ipoh City Watch set up Koperasi Alam Hijau Perak Berhad (KOHIJAU) and collaborates with ICycle Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a new recycling system was launched where contributors used the recycling reward point system where contributors can drop their recyclables at any recycling bins. The recyclables were placed in a biodegradable plastic bags with barcode membership sticker pasted. The recyclables will be collected from the bin every week and sent to a factory where they are sorted and weighed and recycling points were allocated. The recycling points accumulated can then be redeemed with cash or coupons as when required.

The KOHIJAU-ICYCLE system was then launched in Jelapang in January 2017 which enable RT Jelapang to go high-tech to help reduce garbage from going to landfill and in the process contribute some income to RT Jelapang to finance its community programmes.

To date, 8,900 kg of recyclables have been collected from Jelapang Tambahan and a total of RM3,850 has been paid out to the residents. The recycling rate in this village is 17.5% compared to the average national recycling rate of 10%. The 12 illegal dumpsites have disappeared and residents are more aware of keeping the environment clean. The dengue cases has also dropped.

Thus RT Jelapang has successfully helped salvage 8,900kg of garbage from going to the landfills or illegal dumpsites. This is a saving of about RM2,700 to the state government where the government pay an average of 30 sen per kg to contractors.

This is a social business embarked by RT Jelapang to self-finance its activities and help contribute towards eradicating poverty and climate change as stipulated under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Ipoh City Watch President cum KOHIJAU Chairman, Associate Prof. Dr. Richard Ng, Jelapang Tambahan has set up a good example for other Rukun Tetangga in the state to emulate. Garbage is generated by every members of the community and it is good that RT do something to help educate the community.

For KOHIJAU, this is the 4^th achievements within 2 years. Last year KOHIJAU helped the Slim Village to emerge 3^rd place in the national Premier Village award for cleanliness. KOHIJAU too play a small part in helping SMK Raja Perempuan Ipoh emerged national champion in the Toyota Eco environment project. In March 2018, KOHIJAU helped the Selama Police District to emerge as national champion in innovation for using the KOHIJAU-ICYCLE system. The award received by RT Jelapang is the 4^th one where KOHIJAU has played a key role.

KOHIJAU is now embarking on a new project with RT Jelapang by developing a community fish and agro farming by converting organic waste to fish food and fertilizer. This project if successful can help RT Jelapang reduce 40% of the waste and help generate a good income for the community. It also helps to create jobs and supplement income.

Seminar Pembangunan Ekonomi Rukun Tetangga Melalui Perniagaan Sosial

20 May 2018

On 20th May 2018, Rukun Tetangga Jelapang organised a seminar on social business based on the recycling project carried out at Jelapang Tambahan since 4th April 2015.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Richard Ng, chairman of KOHIJAU was invited to present the Social Business Model and the outcome of the recycling project carried out by KOHIJAU in collaboration with Rukun Tetangga Jelapang. In his presentation, Dr. Richard mentioned that a total of 13,200 kg of recyclables have been collected from residents of Jelapang Tambahan to date. RM4,350 has been paid out to them which will help supplement their income. The recycling rate was 17% which is higher than the national recycling rate of 10%.

About 120 participants from Rukun Tetangga and other NGO members attended the seminar which was held at the Jelapang Town Hall. Tuan Haji Abdul Hadi Salleh, Director of Jabatan Perpaduan dan Integrasi Nasioanl (JPNIN) Perak has kindly consent to grace the seminar. It was also attended by Prof. Datuk Denison Jeyasoorian, fellow ressearcher from UKM and a mover of Civil Society Movement.

There was a talk given by Mr. Mark Voon, an expert on Effective Micro-organism on how to carry composting via EM technology.

During the closing speech, RT Jelapang Chairman, Mr. Thinakaran, thanked KOHIJAU's chairman and his team of volunteers who have helped make the social business of converting trash to cash in Jelapang Tambahan a success. He also thanked KOHIJAU for sponsoring the recycling bin.

Hj Abdul Hadi, Director of JPNIN congratulated RT Jelapang for their great effort in making recycling as part of their activities. He also noted that this is a very good community programme involving residents to keep the environment clean. He thanked KOHIJAU for assisting RT Jelapang and hope that this programme can be extended to a few more areas involving active RT centres. 

The highlight of the seminar is the launch of the 71st KOHIJAU-ICYCLE Recycle Bin for the use by Rukun Tetangga Jelapang to carry out recycling activities using the reward point system.

Also being held are health check, wellness programme, display of up-cycling materials by Tadika Perpaduan Jelapang and recruitment of recycling membership by Icycla Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Turning their backs on trash - The Star Metro Perak

5 Feb 2018 by Ivan Loh

(From left) Thinakaran, Ninderjeet and Visveswara sorting recyclable items at the Kampung Jelapang Tambahan community recycling collection centre.

KAMPUNG Jelapang Tambahan now is a far cry from what it was before 2015.

While Rubbish and illegal dumpsites could be found along many of the roads there just three years, things changed significantly after the village started its Community Recycling Project.

Jelapang Rukun Tetangga chairman S. Thinakaran said the village becoming cleaner is all thanks to the project and the caring residents.

“With the current use of the Kohijau-iCycle reward-for-recycling system, it’s getting even better.

“I am not saying there are completely no dumpsites, but they have been reduced significantly – I think by about 90%,” Thinakaran said.

“Among the areas that have seen great improvement in the village are Lorong 4, 8, 14, 16, and 22, though garden waste is still an issue here and there,” he said.

“There are also no longer any complaints about the scheduled rubbish collection by the Ipoh City Council,” he said, adding that there are about 250 households in the village.

“About 30% of the people here are participants of the recycling activities.

“Even the mentality of the younger generation here has changed,” he said.

“They realise the importance of the recycling we do. Many of them are doing their part,” he added.

Thinakaran said the RT is using its own money allocated by the National Unity and Integration Department to pay the residents for their contributions.

“Every month, we pay out between RM250 and RM300 to the contributing residents. They bring in some 400 to 500kg of recyclable items monthly,” he said, adding that Kohijau-iCycle does the record-keeping for the recycling project.

Thinakaran said he is very grateful that there is a group of core people in Jelapang Tambahan who are close-knit and work hard to ensure the recycling programme is a success.

The Kampung Jelapang Tambahan community recycling collection centre

“They always listen to advice about keeping the environment clean have built bonds that help them work together effectively.

“We have our own a Whatsapp chat group about the collection of recyclable items and activities,” he said.

“Of course, there are still some who are not cooperative, despite numerous attempts to get them to join us. Hopefully, one day, we can get through to them,” he added.

Thinakaran said he hopes that the other communities in Jelapang will join them for their recycling efforts.

“Sad to say, not many people here are interested. I really think that Jelapang would be better and cleaner if everyone took part.

Thinakaran said the village’s RT has also been selected by the National Unity and Integration Department to be a model for its community projects for this year.

Kampung Jelapang Tambahan resident R. Visveswara is proud of the clean community field

“We got the letter earlier this month. The departments want us to submit reports on how we can help generate revenue for residents in housing areas or local communities,” he said.

He also said he hopes the residents at Kampung Jelapang Tambahan will continue with the recycling programme so that the village can become the cleanest in the country.

“I also hope the mentality of the people will change to become more civic-minded about the environment and cleanliness.

“I would like to see, one day, that people here automatically pick up any rubbish found on the road,” he said.

Resident R. Visveswara said those involved with the Community Recycling Project campaigned from door to door, urging the residents to join in and take part.

“When the Kohijau-iCycle recycling-for-rewards system started, more and more people got interested.

“While we used to separate our garbage, it has become easier now with Kohijau-iCycle as we just throw everything in bags and these will be sorted by the recycling organisation,” said Visveswara, who is also the village’s RT secretary.

“We hold the recycling project once every fortnight,” he said.

“There are other residents who are selling their recyclable items to recycling centres in Silibin, but we don’t mind as long as they are recycling,” he added.

Another resident, housewife Ninderjeet Kaur, said since learning about composting from the Community Recycling Project, she has been actively doing so.

“It’s not hard. We just need to bury the organic waste in soil and let nature do its job.

“It will normally turn into compost within five to six weeks,” said the housewife.

“The compost can then be used as fertiliser for gardening and small-scale farming,” she said.

Ninderjeet said she gathers organic waste, like fruit peel or leftover vegetables, from some neighbours for composting.

“I always tell them not to throw the waste into the rubbish bin. I bring it back home for composting,” she said, adding that many of the villagers are now composting, all having learned from the recycling programme.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/02/05/turning-their-backs-on-trash-villagers-efforts-shine-as-an-example-of-tackling-cleanliness/

Launching of KOHIJAU-ICYCLE System at Jelapang in conjunction with Ponggal celebration

15 January 2017

In conjunction with Ponggal organised by Rukun Tetangga Jelapang, the 9th KOHIJAU-ICYCLE recycling bin was launched. Presence include members of KOHIJAU and Rukun Tetangga Jelapang and residence of Jelapang. Also present include Clr Datuk Thangarajah.

Push to get people to recycle - Star Metro Perak

2 August 2016 - by Manjit Kaur

A TEAM has been formed in Perak to educate the public to embrace recycling in order to reduce the use of plastic bags and polystyrene containers.

Ipoh City Watch (ICW) President Prof Dr Richard Ng said the main objective of the committee, known as the Perak Action Team for a Sustainable Environment (PATSE), would be to focus on the 3Es – Educating, Engaging and Exciting the public to practise the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle.

Ng, who is the chairman for the action team, said the idea to set up the body was mooted after a forum by ICW was held to discuss the state government’s decision to ban plastic bags and polystyrene containers beginning next June.

During the forum titled “The Impact of Plastics on the Sustainability of Environment: Should Plastics be Banned?” held last month, State Executive Councilor Datuk Rusnah Kassim a challenged the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) to come up with a convincing proposal for the state government to reconsider the decision on the ban, as currently the state stands firm on the decision.

Ng said the action committee comprises members of ICW, MPMA, state Solid Waste Management and Public Cleanliness Corporation (SWCorp), Koperasi Alam Hijau Perak Bhd (Kohijau), local councils, and representatives from the state government.

He said at the end of the forum the panelist agreed to giving the 800 members of MPM’s Perak branch a chance to prove themselves on finding a solution to the challenge by Rusnah.

“The action team will go on a statewide campaign, starting with educational road shows during the monthly Car Free Day event.

“We will also hold talks in schools, and work with any organisation which is keen to cooperate with us,” he said recently.

During the forum last month, MPMA President Datuk Lim Kok Boon urged the state government to educate the public about waste management and littering instead of banning the use of plastic bags and polystyrene containers.

Lim said the more importance should be placed on the 3Rs, something that is done in more developed countries.

Ng said ICW is concerned about the impact of plastics on the environment, but also sympathises with MPMA’s members as the banning of plastics bags will affect their revenue.

Ng said, as one of the four panelists for the forum, ICW supports the government’s move in banning the use of polystyrene and plastic bags effective June 1, next year.

“I made my point clear that by 2020, if nothing is done, Perak will generate three billion tonnes of garbage, of which 450,000 tonnes or about 15% of the total garbage consist of plastics.

“Plastics takes a few hundred years to degrade and this will impact the sustainability of our environment. Plus, plastics are made from petroleum which is a non-renewable source of energy,” he added.

‘Jatuh Cinta Dengan Bahasa Kebangsaan’ - Suara Perak

March 3, 2016

ASALNYA dari keluarga miskin, anak kampung di Tanjung Rambutan kini sudah berjaya mencipta nama sebagai seorang tokoh ilmuan dalam membantu membina masyarakat berilmu.

   Sekali pandang, tiada siapa menyangka Profesor Dr. Richard Ng bukan sahaja mampu menguasai bahasa Melayu dengan baik malah juga turut memahami adat resam orang Melayu.

   Beliau menyedari betapa penguasaan bahasa Melayu atau bahasa kebangsaan itu amat penting sebagai bahasa penghubung di kalangan rakyat Malaysia.

   “Saya adalah anak keempat dari enam beradik yang pernah hidup susah kerana keluarga miskin  dan kami ketika itu tinggal di kampung dan ladang bercampur gaul dengan orang Melayu.

   “Walaupun masih kecil  ketika itu tetapi pemikiran saya matang kerana memahami keadaan ibu bapa saya yang hidup susah sehinggalah saya berazam untuk membantu mereka,” ceritanya ketika ditemui wakil Suara Perak.

Sanggup Masuk Kelas Malam Demi Kuasai Bahasa Melayu

Langkah pertama yang diambilnya ialah memasuki kelas malam bahasa Melayu dan akhirnya dapat menguasai bahasa itu dengan baik, setanding dengan rakan sekampungnya yang terdiri dari anak-anak Melayu.

   “Semasa belajar di Sekolah Rendah Methodist Tanjung Rambutan alirannya adalah bahasa Inggeris dan apabila tamat darjah enam saya mempunyai dua pilihan ketika itu, sama ada sambung belajar di sekolah aliran Inggeris atau aliran Melayu.

   “Akhirnya saya mengambil keputusan memilih untuk belajar di Sekolah Menengah Raja Chulan dengan memasuki kelas peralihan  pada tahun 1970 sehingga ke tingkatan enam tahun 1978.

   “Memasuki sekolah aliran Melayu ini saya rasa semangat satu Malaysia tiada terpinggir langsung semua bangsa bercampur gaul dengan penggunaan bahasa pengantar bahasa Melayu,” katanya.

Beliau menceritakan, selepas tamat tingkatan enam tahun 1978 dengan mendapat sijil penuh tetapi tidak berpeluang melanjutkan pelajaran kerana ketika itu hanya terdapat lima institusi pengajian tinggi maka beliau bekerja sambilan sebagai guru tusyen.

   “Saya mengajar di sebuah madrasah di hospital Tanjung Rambutan kerana waktu itu orang kampung mencari guru matematik yang mahir.

   “Saya merasa amat bangga kerana kesemua anak didik saya berjaya mendapat keputusan cemerlang dalam matematik,” ujarnya.

Melanjutkan Pelajaran  

Memikirkan mengenai masa depannya kerana mengajar sambilan sebagai guru tuisyen tidak menjamin masa depan, Dr Richard mengambil keputusan untuk melanjutkan pelajarannya dalam bidang komputer sehingga akhir berjaya memperolehi diploma.

   Beliau kemudian ditawarkan bekerja sebagai pengurus di Institute Informatic sebelum dilantik sebagai Timbalah Pengarah di institut berkenaan pada tahun 1994 dan seterusnya dihantar bekerja di Singapura pada 1995 sebagai Pengarah Asia Tenggara.

   Pada 1996, beliau pulang semula ke Ipoh dengan memegang jawatan baru sebagai pengarah sebuah kolej perniagaan yang lebih menjurus kepada kursus-kursus perniagaan.

   Katanya, pada tahun 1998 beliau telah mendapat tawaran bekerja sebagai Ketua Eksekutif Kolej Utama Perak di Ipoh sebelum meletakkan jawatan dan menubuhkan kolej Teknologi PIE pada tahun 1999.

Dr Richard kemudian menyambung pelajarannya untuk mendapatkan ijazah di Ottawa Universiti, Amerika Syarikat sebelum pulang ke tanah air dan membuka sebuah kolej perniagaannya sendiri selama empat tahun dari 2000 hingga 2004.

   Kegawatan ekonomi pada waktu itu menyebabkan beliau mengambil keputusan untuk menjual kolejnya dan seterusnya menerima tawaran untuk bekerja sebagai Pengarah Wilayah Wawasan Open University.

   “Selepas setahun bekerja, saya ditawarkan oleh OUM pada 2007 dengan memegang jawatan sebagai Pengarah Wilayah Perak sehingga ke hari ini,” katanya.

   Dr Richard menambah kerana prestasi kerjanya, beliau mendapat biasiswa untuk menyambung pelajaran di peringkat Doktor Falsafah (PhD) dan seterusnya dinaikkan pangkat menjadi Profesor Madya pada 2011.

   Pada tahun 2014, beliau dinaikkan pangkat apabila dilantik sebagai Pengarah Pemasaran Pemasaran Kumpulan untuk menjaga 34 cawangan seluruh Malaysia.

 Aktif Dalam NGO 

 Walaupun kedudukannya kini stabil dan terkenal sebagai seorang tokoh ilmuan, namun  Dr Richard tetap bergerak aktif menerajui sebuah badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) diberi nama Ipoh City Watch (ICW) yang menjadi mata dan telinga kepada pembayar cukai pintu di Bandaraya Ipoh.

   Menurut beliau, ICW sebenarnya bukan NGO baharu, malah sudah wujud pada tahun 2002 tetapi telah dibubarkan oleh pihak pendaftar pertubuhan kerana menyimpang dari matlamat asal penubuhannya.

   “Sebaik mengambil alihnya selepas pembubaran pada tahun 2013, saya memfokuskan badan ini dalam pelbagai kegiatan sosial dan komuniti termasuk pemb ayar cukai pintu sehinggalah ke hari ini,” katanya.

   Pendekatan yang diambil ketika ini ialah berdamping dengan masyarakat untuk mengesan permasalahan mereka.

   “Kita mengambil pendekatan tiga prinsip iaitu mendampingi masyarakat, memahami permasalahan mereka dan mengajar atau membimbing mereka bagi menangani masalah itu,” ujarnya.

   Beliau memberikan contoh tentang isu pembayaran cukai dimana masyarakat diajar supaya melaksanakan tanggungjawab membayar cukai dan jangan hanya pandai menyalahkan kerajaan.

   “Jangan hanya pandai menyalahkan kerajaan sahaja tetapi sebagai warga Ipoh, kita juga seharusnya memberikan idea dan cadangan untuk membangunkan Bandaraya Ipoh,” tambahnya.

   Menurut Dr Richard, antara pencapaian yang dibuat oleh ICW ialah mendapat tajaan membina papan tanda (billboard) dengan mesej yang jelas iaitu `Kebersihan Bandaraya Ipoh Tanggungjawab Kita Bersama’.

   Selain itu, katanya, ICW telah dikenali ramai apabila menjadi NGO yang menjalin kerjasama dengan Perbadanan Sisa Pepejal Perak (SWCORP) dalam melaksanakan Program Komuniti berupa projek Komuniti Kitar Semula pertama di Malaysia iaitu di Jelapang Tambahan yang dilancarkan oleh Exco kerajaan negeri, YB Dato’ Rusnah Kassim pada 4 April lalu.

   “Ramai orang bertanya kepada saya mengapa dibuat projek itu di kawasan pembangkang tetapi saya memberitahu mereka, sama ada kawasan pembangkang atau kawasan BN yang penting kita turun padang bersama dengan masyarakat bagi menjayakan program komuniti ini,” katanya.

   Beliau memberitahu, program tersebut yang dihadiri hampir 200 penduduk telah berjaya menghasilkan 1,376 bahan kitar semula daripada bahan longgokan sampah haram.