EVERY department in the state’s two local councils must map out a strategy to enhance the ‘Cleaner Greener Penang’ initiative.

State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said be it the health, engineering or landscape departments, it was their responsibility to play a greater role in the campaign.

He said creating public awareness towards the green initiative was the most important factor by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP).

Green initiative: An artist impression of the Nokia mobile truck which is on the way to Penang to collect old handphones of any brand today.

Chow said the two councils must become an inspiration for corporate organisations and the community to be part of the campaign.

“It is not enough to just hold one or two gotong-royong, but the initiative should be a continuous effort,” he told MPPP councillors and council staff before the start of the full council meeting yesterday.

Green initiative: An artist impression of the Nokia mobile truck which is on the way to Penang to collect old handphones of any brand today.
Chow said for instance, the landscape department could look at the possibility of working with the corporate sectors to adopt a particular landscape area.

“And basic things like the worn-off paint at the council car park lots must be repainted. I hope more ideas will be thrown in by the respective departments in this context,” he said.

He said the state wanted Penang to become an international city but it must overcome the 3C problem – Cleanliness, Crime and Congestion.

“We need to make the living environment up to the standard where Penang can become the chosen destination for investors and tourists,” he added.

The green initiative is pioneered by the state government and Star Publications (M) Bhd and supported by both MPPP and MPSP. It will be launched at the Prangin Canal at 8.30am today.

Chow also urged all councillors to be present at the launching ceremony.

“And with this, I also hope all issues raised in the media on matters under the jurisdiction of the councils can be responded swiftly,” he added.

The Star – By MANJIT KAUR – May 22, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/5/22/north/6313919&sec=North