Clean Thaipusam, a volunteer-led non-governmental initiative, has expanded its festival cleanliness and sustainability programme to six Malaysian states with the support of local communities, temples, corporate CSR partners and public volunteers.
Launched in 2019 with only about 20 volunteers, the campaign has grown significantly in scale. For Thaipusam 2026 (1 February), approximately 600 volunteers will conduct operations across 6 states which are:
- Selangor (Batu Caves)
- Penang
- Kedah (Sungai Petani)
- Perak (Ipoh)
- Melaka (Merlimau)
- Johor (Masai)
Efforts will focus on improved waste management, recycling separation, and establishing temporary waste and recycling stations at strategic points. The initiative places special emphasis on plastic bottle separation and collecting excess fruit offerings through a “fruit bank” for ethical redistribution.
In the previous year’s festival, about 320 kg of plastic waste was successfully collected and recycled, underscoring both the challenge and impact of volunteer action. Leaders have also highlighted a broader culture of responsibility, noting that thousands of slippers and personal items are often discarded at festival sites each year, signaling the need for continued public awareness and cooperation.
“Thaipusam is a festival for all Malaysians, and maintaining cleanliness and responsible disposal practices should reflect our shared cultural values,” said the initiative’s founder, JK Wicky.
Broader Festival Cleanliness and Safety Preparations
In addition to volunteer-driven initiatives, local authorities are stepping up for Thaipusam 2026. Thaipusam at Batu Caves has seen intensified measures with over 300 additional waste bins placed around the site and enhanced safety enforcement in collaboration with city authorities and police to ensure orderly waste disposal and public behaviour throughout the festival period.
Ipoh City Council has deployed extra bins and will monitor littering strictly, reminding the expected half-million visitors to keep public spaces clean. These combined efforts reflect a multi-stakeholder approach, blending NGO energy, government support, and civic responsibility to maintain the vibrancy and sanctity of this major cultural event while managing environmental impact.
Individuals who wish to volunteer can sign up via the Google Form provided or visit the Clean Thaipusam Instagram page for more information. As we unite to celebrate this important festival, maintaining cleanliness becomes a shared responsibility to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all.
Source: BERNAMA
