Singapore-Malaysia Joint Cleanup Campaign 2012

The 1542nd Worldwide Environmental Cleanup Campaign for the Passover was the first joint cleanup event conducted by the World Mission Society Church of God Singapore (SGWMSCOG) and Malaysia. About 150 countries participated in this cleanup campaign in their respective countries. The cleanup took place on April 29, 2012, at Malacca, Malaysia.

A total of 380 volunteers, 110 from the SGWMSCOG and 270 from Malaysia participated in this cleanup event. Volunteers from SGWMSCOG arrived at Malacca at 10 a.m. after a five-hour journey via a chartered bus.

The volunteers were divided into five groups and actively cleared the rubbish along the roads, abandoned houses, housing estate, car parks, drains, and shop-houses. Armed with trash bags, gloves and tongs, it was a surprising sight for locals to witness a huge crowd clearing up litter on their streets. Regardless of culture or race, members of the SGWMSCOG and World Mission Society Church of God Malaysia worked together in unity to make Malacca clean and beautiful.

“I found it extraordinary that the volunteers from the two countries were able to work together in unity for this cleanup campaign despite their culture or race. I had a great time cleaning and knowing brothers and sisters from the Malaysia branch. While cleaning, they even introduced to us Malacca’s rich history! I am looking forward to the next combined cleanup. I absolutely had a wonderful time today,” said Connie Yong, a participant from the SGWMSCOG, 28.

After the cleanup, volunteers were treated to Malaysia’s famous chicken rice ball. The mayor of Malacca treated volunteers from SGWMSCOG to a 45 minute Melaka river cruise as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for their efforts. For all the participants, it was a delightful and unforgettable event.

In an effort to make our world a better place, many branches of the church regularly holds worldwide cleanup campaigns throughout the entire year. While maintaining environmental cleanliness, the event has truly united people from various backgrounds and will continue to do so in the days to come.