By Aida Aziz
GOPENG: Recycled materials are not only able to generate income but can also be utilised for village maintenance and local community development.
This initiative has been implemented by the Kopisan Baru Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) here.
The Recycling Project, which was recently officiated, was carried out under the Sejahtera MADANI Programme, which received an allocation of RM100,000 from the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), Prime Minister’s Department.
According to village head Yong Kei, the recycling centre accepts various recyclable materials including paper, textiles, glass, plastics and aluminium cans.
To date, the construction and operation of the recycling centre have been fully completed under its first phase.
Meanwhile, Gopeng Member of Parliament Tan Kar Hing said all proceeds collected from recycling activities will be used for village maintenance and local community development.
“Subsequently, we will utilise the remaining allocation to implement the second phase, including organising a 3D printing technology training camp and conducting marketing programmes to create more learning opportunities, especially for the youth,” he said.
He also welcomed the Kopisan Baru initiative in promoting a more self-sustaining development model.
The programme involves participants from all age groups, where both youth and senior citizens are able to take part and benefit from the recycling programme as well as upcoming 3D printing training sessions.
“I hope the JPKK will assess the effectiveness of the recycling centre’s operations over the next few months before exploring collaboration with the district council to carry out more regular environmental activities, including used cooking oil collection programmes,” said Kar Hing.
Also present at the officiating ceremony was Teja assemblywoman Sandrea Ng.
Sandrea also advised the public that the centre only accepts designated recyclable items, namely paper, textiles, glass, plastics and aluminium cans.
Residents are reminded not to use the centre as a dumping site for household waste for their own convenience.
“The JPKK has installed a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system at the recycling centre.
“If anyone is found illegally dumping waste or damaging public facilities, reports will be lodged with the district council for further action,” she said.
