Petaling Utama district Girl Guides aged 10 to 19 gathering for the National Plastic Busters Beach, River, Public Park Clean-up 2023 at Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
SET against the lakeside backdrop of Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya, over 140 enthusiastic Girl Guides from Petaling Utama district in Selangor helped clean up part of the planet in a display of environmental commitment.
Cheerful and tireless, the teenagers from 17 schools picked up discarded plastics, participated in a social media challenge and enjoyed a bit of the outdoors.
All in, the participants ranging in age from 10 to 19 collected 30kg of plastic and rubbish in collaboration with Girl Guides Association Malaysia’s National Plastic Busters Beach, River, Public Park Clean-up 2023.
The haul was gathered in a designated area for collection and recycling by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
Petaling Utama Girl Guides district commissioner Aisah Ibrahim, 58, said the clean-up could instil in the young generation a love for the environment.
Cheerful and tireless teens making an impact.
“While collecting waste, a TikTok competition was held where the students were required to incorporate elements of environmental awareness and the significance of recycling.
“The practice of recycling can also enhance the country’s sources of income and generate individual economies, such as by creating handicrafts,” she said.
Aisah added that several locations around this popular recreational area were found to be extensively littered with rubbish, including the lake and stadium.
Girl Guides clearing rubbish from the lakeside.
The Petaling Utama teens have joined a growing list of clean-up activities under this Girl Guide initiative involving the mass participation of Fireflies, Brownies, Junior Guides, Rangers, Cadets, Clovers and Trefoil Guild members from all districts in Malaysia.
The programme was launched at the Kuala Selangor Indoor Stadium attended by over 1,000 Girl Guides as well as royal patrons and leaders.
One of the teachers at the clean-up, Murniza Yunus, 43, from SK Bandar Baru Sri Damansara, commended the Girl Guides for actively engaging in community service, adding that similar recycling programmes had been conducted in the past.
The clean-up bagged 30kg of rubbish.
Girl Guide Wan Arin Natasya, 14, said the event highlighted the significance of fostering environmental awareness among youth.
Participants could also earn a badge, which she hoped to do.
“For some Girl Guides, participating provides an opportunity to receive certificates and accumulate points for their sports and co-curricular activity assessment.
“There are also those who choose to create modules and meet specific criteria to be awarded badges,” said Wan Arin.
For 16-year-old Shaniel Irina Dalil Shahrulnizam, the clean-up was particularly delightful for the outdoor setting.
“I rarely engage in outdoor physical activities, so this gave me valuable opportunity to explore and enjoy the experience,” she said, adding that she relished the scenic view of the lake.
Wan Arin highlights the need to foster environmental awareness among youth.
Shaniel Irina relishes the chance to explore outdoor activities.
