OVER 234,000 KG OF RECYCLABLE WASTE COLLECTED THROUGH KITARECYCLE IN MELAKA LAST YEAR

MELAKA, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- A total of 234,143 kilogrammes of recyclable waste was collected in Melaka throughout last year through the KITARecycle reward-based recycling programme, reflecting a significant increase in public awareness of sustainable practices and lifestyles.

SWM Environment Corporate General Manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the amount collected rose by more than 16,000 kilogrammes from 217,545 kilogrammes recorded in 2024.

“The achievement reflects the community’s commitment to the importance of environmental sustainability through efforts to reduce solid waste sent to landfills, in line with the aspiration for sustainable and liveable urban development.

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“During the same period, the paper and plastic categories recorded the highest collections, at 95,931 kilogrammes (95.93 tonnes) and 40,605 kilogrammes (40.61 tonnes), respectively,” he said in a statement here today.

He said the increase in collection was also driven by the encouraging response from KITARecycle members who sent recyclable items to collection facilities provided throughout the state.

Mohd Norlisam said the KITARecycle Drive-Through Centre (PPLK) at the Melaka Botanical Garden recorded a significant increase of 63.38 per cent, with total receipts of 46,785 kilogrammes in 2025 compared with 28,636 kilogrammes in the previous year.

“This proves that facilities such as the PPLK are increasingly well-received by the local community as they provide easier access for the delivery of recyclable items.

“To further expand public access, recyclable items can be sent to several collection facilities, including those at Sungai Putat Apartments, Batu Berendam, TS Park Taman Desa Bertam, as well as more than 60 other facilities comprising collection centres and recycling cages across Melaka,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said KITARecycle membership in Melaka also increased to nearly 25,000 members as of December 2025, compared with 16,783 members in 2024.

“This, in turn, has contributed to the reduction of solid waste, as well as to Melaka’s success in receiving international recognition, including the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2024 and 2026,” he added.

-- BERNAMA