Kuala Lumpur: Hari Cuci Malaysia (HCM) 2026 set two new records in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) today through large-scale public mobilisation and recyclable material collection in a single day.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) said in a statement that the two records were set with 272,390 people nationwide participating in HCM 2026 and the collection of 89,221.22 kilogrammes of recyclable materials in one day.
In addition, HCM 2026, conducted simultaneously across 469 locations nationwide, collected 8,010.19 tonnes of solid waste through cleaning activities and gotong-royong initiatives.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said in the statement that achieving the two records was not merely a success for KPKT but an achievement of all Malaysians who joined hands to realise the nation's cleanliness agenda.
“The two records we created today are not just about numbers. Behind these figures are hundreds of thousands of Malaysians who came together, cleaned their surroundings, and recycled for a cleaner and more sustainable country,” he said.
He said the achievement showed that the spirit of gotong-royong remains strong within the community and has strong potential to translate into long-lasting behavioural change.
Nga added that HCM 2026 received support from 10,000 schools nationwide, with student participation recognised under the Physical Activity, Sports and Co-curricular Assessment (PAJSK).
He emphasised that involving the younger generation is vital to cultivating awareness that cleanliness, waste separation, and recycling habits must start at school age.
He said the success of HCM 2026, which brought together people from various backgrounds alongside government agencies, local authorities, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), educational institutions, volunteers, and local communities, should serve as a launchpad for greater efforts to strengthen the circular economy and sustainable solid waste management.
Nga said the event also should not end as a one-day programme.
“Records can be set in a day, but building a culture takes time.
“Our challenge moving forward is to ensure that the spirit of HCM 2026 translates into daily practice, do not litter, reduce waste, and make recycling a way of life,” he said.
In 2024, HCM set three MBOR records, including the highest simultaneous participation with 58,007 people, a waste collection of 4,645 tonnes in a single day, and non-stop operations running from 8 am to 8 pm.
