The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has allocated RM30 million annually to manage solid waste disposal across its operational areas — a move that supports its goal of making Ipoh a Smart and Sustainable City.
In line with this commitment, MBI has partnered with Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Life Line Clothing (M) Sdn. Bhd. to launch a Used Clothing Recycling Bin Program at Shell petrol stations across Ipoh. The initiative is part of the Local Agenda 21 (2025) program.
The program was officiated by Mayor Zamakhshari bin Hanipah, who emphasized that this initiative aligns with MBI’s aim to transform Ipoh into a Low Carbon City by 2030, under the Ipoh Doughnut Economics: A City Portrait in Action (2025–2030) framework introduced during the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum.
The Mayor explained that circular economy practices—reusing and recycling materials before disposal—help reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while supporting sustainable economic ecosystems.
So far, 35 used clothing recycling bins have been placed in various locations including 9 Shell stations, supermarkets, housing areas, and schools. Between June and October 2025, a total of 53,822 kilograms of used textiles were successfully recycled.
This program supports national sustainability policies such as:
12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) – Targeting a 40% national recycling rate by 2025
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
National Cleanliness Policy – Promoting the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste (2025–2035)
Life Line Clothing (M) Sdn. Bhd. is now MBI’s fifth strategic partner in its circular economy program, joining:
Edsha Solution Sdn. Bhd. – e-waste
Biovisma Sdn. Bhd. – used cooking oil
Tetra Pak (M) Sdn. Bhd. – used beverage cartons
Thowlee Recycle Sdn. Bhd. – used tyres
Mayor Zamakhshari praised the collaboration between government, private sector, and community, expressing hope that more companies will join sustainability initiatives.
He concluded by reaffirming MBI’s vision of realizing “Ipoh Bandaraya Bestari Sejahtera” and “Perak Sejahtera 2030”, advancing the Doughnut Economic Action Plan towards a greener, more livable city.
