HAN Chiang University College (HCUC) fulfilled its corporate social responsibility when 30 students and staff members joined forces to give Miami Beach in Batu Ferringhi a massive cleanup this morning.
Project director Aaron Lim Pek Qin said the project’s aim was to build a culture of volunteerism among the students and foster environmental awareness in communities.
He said the team, after some brainstorming sessions, unanimously decided on the beach cleanup as trash on the beaches required immediate attention and action.
“We also want to give back something to the society. As we all know, Penang beaches are a great tourist spot and they need our attention.
“So, I think all of us will play our part and have fun. We hope that others will emulate us to keep the beaches clean,” Lim said.
The two-hour beach cleanup, from 830am along a 1km stretch, resulted in a collection of an array of rubbish weighing a total of 38kg.
The garbage included waste (30kg), plastic recyclables (6kg), aluminium (1kg) and paper (1kg).
Lim added that they welcomed all the staff and the students from different schools, years and semesters to join the effort because they did not want to limit it to one that is classroom-based.
They also provided all participants with transportation by carpooling to reduce carbon footprint.
CSR project adviser Muhamad Qamar Rahman Md Isa described the beach cleanup as a good event, especially in helping to educate the students about the environment.
“Currently in Malaysia, we always go for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indeed, not only Malaysia but the whole world is talking about the SDGs.
“So, this is one of the activities that we can relate to the SDGs,” Muhamad Qamar Rahman said.
Story by Wo Yee Qi