A cleaner sweeping up beside Sungai Segget, near one of the colourful sculptures made of recycled items.
WALK around Johor Baru city centre and you may come across colourful sculptures of sea creatures along walkways and promenades.
The sculptures, four in total, are a permanent reminder of the need to raise awareness on keeping the sea rubbish-free.
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) used more than 15,000 recycled cans and plastic bottles to build the sculptures in conjunction with the ongoing Asia-Pacific Climate Week (APCW) 2023.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the city council created the sculptures as part of its efforts to beautify the downtown area and to welcome local and international delegates attending APCW 2023.
“MBJB took inspiration from sea life such as dugong and the seahorse, which can be found around Johor waters, for the sculptures.
“They have been placed in strategic spots around the city centre such as Sungai Segget and Jalan Ibrahim, as well as at Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre.
“More than 10,000 cans and 5,000 recycled bottles were used in the production of these sculptures,” he said.
Mohd Noorazam said that besides the four sculptures, MBJB also utilised used cans and plastic bottles to build the main sign for APCW 2023, which could be seen in front of Persada International Convention Centre where the event is being held.
“The objective of building these sculptures is to show the problems faced by marine life as a result of climate change.”
He said that in addition to the sculptures, the city council had also arranged for various murals to be painted in the city centre in conjunction with APCW 2023.
The United Nations-backed APCW 2023, held for the first time in Johor, ends tomorrow. It is also the first time such an event is being held in Malaysia.
Over 2,000 delegates from more than 100 countries are attending the event.
The delegates, including heads of governments, policymakers and experts, are here to discuss the best practices, development of partnerships and advancement of regional climate priorities and expectations.
After APCW 2023, the first global stocktake would be concluded at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to be held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, in December.
