PUBLIC awareness on proper waste management in terms of plastic usage and recycling is still unsatisfactory, said Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib.

He said many people still think that waste management is the sole responsibility of the government and sanitary workers, when they could play a role, especially in recycling.

The government, he said, in an effort to encourage the people to recycle, has held various awareness campaigns and programmes such as the Trash to Cash, which allows the public to convert their unused items as a source of income.

“We hope more people will take advantage of this programme and to facilitate them, we intend to open more counters, like at night, farmers’ or morning markets.

“We expect the traders to also join the programme to address the garbage problem at markets , where many people think that the local authorities will come to clear up,” he told a media conference after launching a campaign #JanganGunalah Plastik Sekali Guna and the Trash To Cash programme in Maran, Pahang, today. – Bernama, August 23, 2020.