WHAT was once considered waste has been transformed by Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) staff into a unique cleaning ‘machine’: a used bicycle modified into a ‘pond bike’ designed to collect floating debris at the Upcycle Park near Bandar Perda.
Far from being an ordinary bicycle, this innovation incorporates approximately 80 per cent recycled materials, demonstrating how creativity can turn discarded items into practical solutions for addressing cleanliness management challenges.
MBSP Upcycle Unit Head Azizul Abdul Rahim stated that the idea for the bike stemmed from the need to reach trash located in the middle of the recreational pond, which spans a distance of roughly 400 to 500 meters.
“Using manual methods, it is quite difficult to reach the centre of the pond.
“So, we considered how to create something that could move across the water, be easy to operate, and, at the same time, utilise readily available materials.
“That led us to adopt an upcycling concept and build this ‘pond bicycle’ together with three other team members,” he said during an interview regarding the innovation in Bandar Perda today.
According to Azizul, one of the key components used was plastic floats sourced from the Ampang Jajar disposal site, which were refurbished for reuse.
The used bicycle was modified to allow for both forward and backwards pedalling, while a drum barrel was converted into a storage compartment for waste and equipment, with drainage holes punched in to allow water to flow out.
Damaged components from MBSP equipment were also repurposed to form additional structures.
Interestingly, Azizul noted that the innovation was created over a period of approximately two weeks with a workforce of just three people; production costs were kept low because the majority of the components utilised salvaged materials.
“The primary cost was for the paint used to refurbish and repaint the components.
“We sourced most of the materials from items that were no longer in use,” he said.
In terms of operation, he stated that the bicycle is capable of collecting between 10kg and 20kg of waste per full circuit, depending on water conditions and the volume of floating debris.
However, its operation is also influenced by current conditions and water depth, with ropes used to assist in pulling the bicycle when necessary.
“For the time being, the innovation is being used solely at the Upcycle Park pond, though plans to produce additional units are currently under consideration,” he said.
Azizul stated that safety is also a priority, with personnel required to wear safety vests while operating the bicycle.
At the same time, components exposed to water require regular maintenance to address the risks of rust and damage.
According to him, the creation of the pond bicycle received support from local authorities, including the MBSP mayor and the director of Municipal Services.
“This Upcycle Park is the first of its kind in Malaysia and is listed in the Malaysia Book of Records.
“We want this upcycling concept to be more than just an idea; we want it to be genuinely applied in our operations.
“We can rethink how to give new functionality to items that are no longer in use.
“This initiative not only reduces waste but also helps the ‘Orange Heroes’ team carry out cleaning tasks more efficiently,” he said.
More than just a bicycle floating on the pond’s surface, this innovation conveys the message that discarded items do not necessarily have to end up as trash.
With a little creativity, skill, and the courage to experiment, old materials can get a new lease on life, turning waste into a tool that helps keep recreational spaces clean for the community.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud