The 2023 Merdeka Day celebration at Putra Square, Putrajaya, was undoubtedly one for the books, drawing over 100,000 enthusiastic attendees.
This national day event was filled with energy and pride, yet there is a vital aspect that demands our attention and improvement: cleanliness.
Photo via TikTok (@alamflorasdnbhd)
Amidst the cheers and celebrations, there was a less appealing side to the story. According to Alam Flora, an environmental management company tasked with cleaning up after the event, attendees were less than responsible when it came to disposing of their waste. Shockingly, an estimated 20 tonnes of waste were left in the wake of the celebration.
Alam Flora took to TikTok to showcase the colossal cleanup operation, sharing images and videos of their dedicated staff meticulously restoring Putra Square to its pristine state. The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 403,000 views and more than 43,200 likes. Many commenters expressed their gratitude for the tireless efforts of Alam Flora's workers while expressing disappointment in those responsible for the litter.
In the video's caption, Alam Flora confirmed that they had collected approximately 20 tonnes of waste in the aftermath of the Merdeka Day celebration. This colossal task required the commitment of 125 workers who toiled from 4 am until 7 pm.
To streamline the cleanup efforts, the area was divided into 8 sub-zones, ensuring that no corner was left unattended. Additionally, 700 mobile garbage bins were strategically placed throughout the event, providing the public with convenient options for responsible disposal.
@alamflorasdnbhd Alam Flora menganggarkan hampir 20 tan sampah terkumpul setelah selesai kerja-kerja kutipan dan pembersihan selepas sambutan Hari Kebangsaan Malaysia yang ke-66 di Putrajaya semalam. Sebanyak 125 pekerja pembersihan, penyelia dan eksekutif operasi Alam Flora telah menjalankan kerja-kerja pembersihan seawal 4 pagi dan berakhir sekitar jam 7 malam. Kerja-kerja pembersihan dipecahkan kepada lapan subzon iaitu Zon 1 - kawasan perarakan utama, Zon 2 - Presint 3, Zon 3 - Bulatan Gemilang , Zon 4 - di hadapan Kementerian Kewangan, Zon 5 - Dataran Putra, Zon 6 - Lebuh Bestari , Zon 7 - Persiaran Perdana Presint 4 dan Zon 8 - Monumen Alaf Baru, Presint 2. Alam Flora telah menyediakan 700 unit tong sampah bergerak (MGB) pelbagai saiz dan ditempatkan di beberapa lokasi bagi memudahkan orang ramai membuang sampah. #JomRawatBumi #CurbOceanPollution #HariKemerdekaanKe66 #EnhancingLifeEnrichingCommunities #fyp #masukberanda ♬ Negaraku - Joe Flizzow & Altimet & SonaOne & Faizal Tahir
As we reflect on the success of this year's Merdeka Day celebration, it is crucial to remember the impact our actions have on the environment. The staggering amount of waste left behind serves as a stark reminder that, as responsible citizens, it is our duty to enjoy these celebrations while also preserving the beauty of our surroundings.
Let us all make a collective pledge to ensure that future events are not marred by the careless disposal of waste, for the sake of our environment and the generations to come!
