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RECYCLING must evolve from an occasional practice into a deeply rooted cultural norm in Malaysia if the country is to effectively tackle mounting environmental challenges, particularly plastic pollution, according to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Speaking in her capacity as both the wife of the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak, she stressed that grassroots initiatives driven by local communities are essential to addressing pollution at scale.
She pointed to volunteer-led recycling centres as a practical and replicable model, particularly in efforts to mitigate plastic waste along rivers and coastlines, where environmental degradation is increasingly visible.
“So, I welcome the setting up of volunteer-led recycling centres as a way to show every Malaysian that this is one of the methods we can use to care for our environment,” she said after officiating the Dewan Persatuan Kebajikan Sayangi Rakyat Kuala Lumpur.
Dr Wan Azizah emphasised that such initiatives must be sustained over time, warning that early enthusiasm must not give way to declining participation or weak oversight.
“I hope that this will be continued and improved, so that recycling becomes a way of life to safeguard the future of our children and the nation’s ecosystem,” she said.
She noted that the community hall she inaugurated had previously been underutilised but has since been upgraded with a RM100,000 allocation into a functional activity centre, now hosting programmes including environmental awareness efforts.
Earlier in the day, she also officiated the 42nd annual general meeting of the Parent-Teacher Association at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Tun Razak 1, alongside the opening of the school’s new hall.
In her address, she highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between parents and schools, describing Parent-Teacher Associations as vital platforms for shaping future generations.
“Efforts to build the next generation require sacrifice and continuous commitment from all parties, especially parents, who play a vital role in shaping their children’s lives,” she said.
Her remarks underscore a broader call for collective responsibility, linking environmental stewardship with education and community engagement as Malaysia confronts the long-term consequences of unsustainable waste practices. - April 11, 2026