China Press, 16 January 2018
Muar was ranked the cleanest town in Malaysia early last year. The Minister of Tourism and Culture has again brought a good news – with this time being chosen as the cleanest town in Asean.
The Johor state government nominated Muar – Bandar Maharani Bandar Diraja for the Asean’s cleanest town award. After paying a visit to evaluate its cleanliness level of for its environment and surrounding areas, the organising committee has confirmed that Muar will receive the Asean’s cleanest town award.
MCA party whip Chris Lee Ching Yong, who is also Muar Municipal Councillor confirmed that the Muar Municipal has received the letter from the organising committee. Yang Dipertua of Muar Municipal Council Mustaffa Kamal Bin H. Shamsudin and representatives from the related tourism organisations will be going to ChiangMai, Thailand to receive the award.
Lee added that all of the people in the city are proud of the recognition on Muar. This award also recognises efforts put by the local government, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and private corporations as well as the public.
Lee confirmed that the Muar Municipal Council had spent over RM50 million to promote several cleanliness programmes in the state, including gotong-royong and support for recycling activities, preservation of canal, landscape and rivers.
He said both recognitions will increase the popularity of the town, and encourage more foreigners to visit the second-tier city to further promote its tourism development.
Lee said it is important to ensure the cleanliness of the city so that its tourism industry will continue with its growth momentum.
He said more efforts will be taken to focus on the beautification of the city and all projects will be implemented as scheduled to promote the city’s tourism industry.
Chris also mentioned that all restaurant operators and hawkers are not allowed to use polystyrene and they were instructed to install oil purification system to avoid pollution issue.
He added that the authority will restructure ten food courts in the city and generate new theme for the local popular food and products to attract more tourists to the city.
The popular tourist spot Tanjung Emas Muar will be lightened up at night, so that all visitors can enjoy their trips during day and night time.
One of the members of the History and Heritage Association Lee Wenyu said, the state is well prepared to welcome domestic and international tourists.The association is planning to undertake the beautification project in Jalan Mariam as well as building a corridor of murals. It is necessary for every citizen to take the responsibility of not littering rubbish.
Muar famous Tham Chiak Koey (or glutton street) hawkers association member Huang Yilei also proud of the award and hoping Muar people can work hard to maintain the cleanliness of the city. After completion of glutton street upgrading work, the hygiene level has seen improvement. It is hoped that all hawker can maintain the cleanliness level as well as to be more people friendly to attract more tourists.
