Malaysian siblings voluntarily pick up face mask litter
As our country battles the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysians are doing their part to reduce the spread of the virus. From individuals wearing a mask at all times when we’re in a public space to restaurants abiding by the strict SOP rules, everyone’s actively adopting new habits to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus. Some Malaysians are even going above and beyond. Siblings, Vasugi and Suriya are 2 of those commendable Malaysians who have been helping to pick up discarded face masks in a small town in Penang to help protect the public’s safety.
Siblings clean up litter to reduce the risk of the virus spreading
Their kind act was shared by Penang Kini on its Facebook page on 18th August, where it has garnered more than 11,000 reactions and 600 shares at the time of writing.
Penang Kini shared that Vasugi and Suriya noticed that there were face masks strewn around the Parit Buntar area and it was becoming a public eyesore. So they decided to take one for the team and go around on their motorcycle to pick up and dispose of the dirty face masks properly.
Image credit: Penang Kini
Beyond just helping to clean up the place, Vasugi and Suriya also believe that used face masks discarded carelessly will increase the risk of germs, bacteria, and viruses spreading. It can then endanger at-risk individuals such as senior citizens and children.
Image credit: Penang Kini
Netizens applaud the kind gesture but urge Malaysians to be more responsible
Many netizens flooded the comments section of the post to applaud Vasugi and Suriya’s admirable initiative. Facebook user Rosssalina Ahmad admitted that not everybody is willing to do what they did, and wished the kind siblings well.
Image credit: Rosssalina Ahmad
Siti Hajar Ariffin also relayed her well wishes, saying that the siblings are both good role models and that she hoped that their families will be granted good health and lots of opportunities.
Image credit: Siti Hajar Ariffin
There were also many Facebook users who urged Malaysians to behave more responsibly and with more consideration to others.
These commenters include Delima Ema who said that people shouldn’t be throwing their face masks anywhere they see fit when it’s not that difficult to just toss it into a rubbish bin. “We should take care of each other and those around us after all,” she added.
Image credit: Delima Ema
Amir Shah Ali even suggested that the authorities impose an RM2,000 fine on those who litter.
Image credit: Amir Shah Ali
Malaysians pick up face mask litter and remind us to #KitaJagaKita
We are all aware that this hasn’t been the best year for us. The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed lives and made people lose their jobs, but Malaysians should remember to keep to SOPs so that everyone’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus will not go to waste.
We should also be considerate to others and our environment by doing something as simple as discarding our own trash properly, as it is only through a nationwide effort that we can come out of this together.
Read more heartwarming Malaysian community stories here:
- YouTuber makes generous donation to local seller
- Orange Heroes turn trash into public art with a message
- Malaysians offer jobs to cancer survivor aunty
- Heartwarming moments during the MCO
Cover image adapted from: Penang Kini