PUTRAJAYA: The Bring Back Your Trash campaign organised by Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) in conjunction with this year's National Day celebration featured a unique twist - a special waste separation booth where visitors could exchange recyclable materials for attractive prizes.

PPj Urban Services Department director (Health and Environment Division) Dr Mohd Helmi Abdul Hamid said the campaign, now in its second year, aims to strengthen efforts to maintain cleanliness after the celebration.

"Alhamdulillah, this year's cleanliness activities in conjunction with the National Day celebration are more vibrant, with sufficient garbage bins and cleaning staff provided through the collaboration between the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation (SWCorp) and Alam Flora Sdn Bhd.

"What makes this year special is the waste separation booth we set up in front of the Youth and Sports Ministry building.

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"Visitors could separate their recyclables, including plastic bottles, paper, and other waste, and exchange them for prizes," he told Bernama today.

Mohd Helmi said the booth, established in collaboration with Alam Flora Environmental Solution Sdn Bhd (AFES), not only educates the public on the importance of cleanliness but also encourages recycling practices, especially among the younger generation.

"This is one way to attract young people to understand the value of waste.

"While we celebrate Merdeka Day, we should also strive to be free from the habit of littering," he said.

Mohd Helmi said the campaign symbolises independence in terms of cleanliness, while also nurturing patriotism.

"We do not want the image of the National Day celebration to be tarnished by piles of rubbish after the event. Patriotism is not just shouting 'Merdeka', it is also reflected in our commitment to keeping the country clean.

"We want people to free themselves from the old mentality of being irresponsible about cleanliness.

"If you cannot take your rubbish home, at least dispose of it in the designated bins.

"That is a true sign of independence - in both mind and attitude," he said.

He said that Putrajaya has earned the Asean Clean Tourist City Standard (ACTCS) award three times, a biennial recognition, with the most recent win last year.

PPj is determined to maintain this prestigious status.

This year's National Day celebration, themed "Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni", will be held at Dataran Putrajaya tomorrow, while the Malaysia Day celebration will take place in Penang on Sept 16.

– Bernama