In a saddening revelation, Malaysians' littering habits have reached even the depths of untouched jungles. Dusun Tua assemblyman, Edry Faizal Eddy Yusof, recently experienced this heartbreaking reality during a jungle trekking expedition in Kajang.
Photo via Twitter (@edryfaizal)
Taking to Twitter, Edry shared his dismay as he stumbled upon a scene of litter strewn amidst the pristine natural beauty. The thoughtless act of those who left the rubbish behind struck a chord with him, prompting him to raise awareness about the issue.
In his video, Edry showcased a plastic bag filled with trash, abandoned and left to mar the serenity of the jungle. Expressing his disappointment, he emphasized that littering is not limited to urban areas but extends even to our precious natural landscapes.
"The problem of rubbish. You would think that only village and housing areas would have this problem. Look at this, this problem is also in the jungle. Humans, as long as they come in (to a place), they leave behind trash," Edry lamented.
He went on to question who would take responsibility for cleaning up the mess. Should it be the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN), the forest department, or the Kajang Municipal Council? These entities have their own responsibilities, and the burden of cleaning up after litterbugs should not fall on their shoulders.
Displaying admirable personal responsibility, Edry took it upon himself to remove the litter from the jungle and dispose of it appropriately in a designated rubbish bin. While he acknowledged that this task inconvenienced him, he believed it was necessary to protect the environment and prevent further harm caused by careless littering.
Examining the contents of the discarded trash, Edry highlighted that it included food purchased at a petrol station, including a box of finished doughnuts. Expressing his disbelief, he questioned why someone would venture into a forest to consume doughnuts, only to neglect the responsibility of taking the trash out with them.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for responsible behavior and greater awareness surrounding the consequences of littering. Our natural spaces deserve to be cherished and protected, free from the blight of thoughtless waste. It is our collective responsibility to preserve these environments for future generations to enjoy.
Let this serve as a wake-up call for Malaysians and people around the world to reflect on our actions. Each one of us can make a difference by adopting responsible habits, disposing of our waste properly, and spreading awareness about the importance of maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of our natural surroundings.
Together, we can create a positive impact and safeguard our cherished ecosystems.
