Gombak:Hari Cuci Malaysia (HCM) 2026 is set to involve 200,000 participants nationwide, with a target of collecting 28,000 kilograms of recyclable items in just one day.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming emphasized that these goals are designed to sustain the growing public engagement HCM has seen since its inception in 2024. During the launch event at Pasar Taman Sri Gombak, Nga highlighted that the initiative is more than just about setting records; it showcases the extensive public involvement and the strength of the cleanliness movement being fostered.
As of 9 am today, over 95,000 individuals have registered online for HCM 2026, not including school students, across 469 locations nationwide. HCM has achieved significant milestones in the Malaysia Book of Records, such as the largest simultaneous participation of 58,007 people and the collection of 4,645 tonnes of waste in a day, along with conducting a continuous operation from 8 am to 8 pm in 2024. In the following year, over 100,000 people participated simultaneously, and a record was set for collecting more than 27,600 kilograms of used cooking oil in a single day.
This year, the Education Ministry has joined as a strategic partner, involving 10,000 schools in HCM activities, which are now recognized under the physical fitness, sports, and co-curricular assessment (PAJSK). This collaboration aims to enhance youth participation in promoting cleanliness.
Nga also mentioned the government's focus on solid waste management through the 9R approach Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, and Recover. He stressed that instilling a cleanliness culture should start in schools to promote responsible resource utilization.
HCM is part of the Madani Government's agenda for public cleaning reform, which includes Community Service Orders for littering offences. Up to National Day this year, authorities issued 15,678 compounds or notices for cleaning offences, and 599 individuals were sentenced by courts to perform community cleaning tasks.
Additionally, nearly 1,000 shopping centres across the country are now required to provide recycling facilities to ensure the recovery and reuse of valuable resources. Nga reiterated that maintaining cleanliness is a collective responsibility that involves the entire community, ensuring Malaysia remains clean and prosperous.