Clean Thaipusam Campaign Extended To Six States, Involving 600 Volunteers

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Clean Thaipusam, a non-governmental organisation, has expanded its Thaipusam festival cleanliness and sustainability drive to six states, involving about 600 volunteers.

Its founder JK Wicky said the campaign, which began in 2019 with just around 20 volunteers, has grown significantly, thanks to the support of the public, temple management, and corporate sponsors through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

“Thaipusam is not only a festival for the Indian community but is also attended by devotees and visitors of various races. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness and disposing of waste responsibly should be a shared cultural value,” he told Bernama.

JK Wicky said that during this year’s Thaipusam on Feb 1, Clean Thaipusam will conduct operations in Selangor, including Batu Caves, as well as in Penang, Sungai Petani (Kedah), Ipoh (Perak), Merlimau (Melaka), and Masai (Johor), focusing on waste management, separation of recyclables, and temporary bin placement in key areas.

According to him, this year’s recycling initiative has been expanded to emphasise the separation of plastic bottles, while a fruit bank has also been established to collect excess fruit offerings for redistribution or ethical use, ensuring no waste.

JK Wicky said that last year, about 320 kg of plastic waste were successfully collected and recycled, although the overall amount of garbage generated during the festival remained high.

Meanwhile, the trustee of the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple, Datuk N. Sivakumar, said that around three tonnes of footwear are thrown away each year in the Thaipusam festival site, highlighting the urgent need to raise public awareness.

“We urge devotees and visitors not to leave slippers or personal belongings lying around but to use the facilities provided or dispose of them properly,” he said.

Members of the public interested in volunteering for Clean Thaipusam can register online at forms.gle/eSszZKQQZbU8geQ26.

--BERNAMA