Speech by YB Phee Boon Poh, Penang State EXCO Member for Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee Chairman cum Vice-Chairman of Penang Green Council on 3rd September 2020 during the Penang Green Citizen Reward Program press conference

Good morning and welcome to the press conference today.

Penang’s enlightened journey towards a greener and sustainable future began many years back with the founding of Penang Green Council (PGC) in 2011 as a state agency to nurture, facilitate and coordinate environmental causes in Penang. As a part of the educational programs, Penang Green Citizens Program is designed for individuals and communities to commit for a Cleaner, Greener, Safer, and Healthier & Happier city by pledging on practicing at least one out of 10 key initiatives. These include:

1. Save water.
2. Conserve energy.
3. Reduce single use plastics.
4. Bring your own food container/ water bottle
5. Practise 5R- Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle to extend the lifespan of
   Pulau Burung Landfill.
6. Use public transport or carpool to reduce carbon footprint.
7. Support anti-smoking initiative.
8. Stop littering.
9. Stop open burning.
10. Create a caring society.

Waste management has always been an important issue for a city like Penang. Hence, circular economy plays an important role in helping us to reduce waste and ensuring the sustainability of our resources. By segregating our daily waste into general waste and recyclables, we are able to extend the lifespan of our landfill at Pulau Burung. At the same time, we are able to establish green businesses that will support our economy by transforming the recyclables into new treasure.

This year, we are delighted to announce that Penang Green Council is collaborating with Riiicycle mobile apps and L’OCCITANE, international beauty and care brand to combat waste issue hand in hand. All Penang Green Citizens will be able to enjoy more benefits by just putting efforts in recycling and showing more love to our Mother Earth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

There are more than 22,000 citizens who pledged as Penang Green Citizens over the years. We are delighted to witness the growth of green spirits of our citizens, but I sure that our mission to achieve a sustainable state will never end here. Therefore, we are calling for more Penang citizens to pledge and join us in this green movement to reduce waste and be a responsible citizen.

By doing little things in our daily life such as recycling with Riiicycle mobile apps and L’OCCITANCE’s Big Little Things recycling program, we can make a bigger impact together. Last but not least, I wish this reward program a big success and thank you Riiicycle and L’OCCITANE for their contribution and commitment in taking lead to make Penang a better place for all. Thank you.