The Malaysian Insight

WHAT started as a hobby for Asni Othman has become a livelihood, turning recyclable plastics into bags, baskets and other accessories.

The mother of three has been able to put her creativity to good use thanks to the Seberang Perai Municipal Council’s (MPSP) Upcycling Programme, aimed at helping low-income earners boost their livelihood.

From old newspapers, Asni is able to make vases, baskets and pen holders, which she sells between RM10 to RM200, depending on the size and design.

She has now ventured into upcycling plastic straws, by weaving them into bags which sell for RM120.

“I buy the used straws cheap from eateries as they want to throw it away. I clean them before weaving them into bags,” the 43-year-old told The Malaysian Insight during a visit to her home in Kg Tun Sardon, Bukit Mertajam.

Two years ago, Asni quit her job as a sales assistant to focus on weaving and selling her products.

“This was after I enrolled in MPSP’s upcycle programme four years ago. No one forced me to quit my sales job but I do enjoy what I’m doing now,” she said.

“Having gone through the training programme, I now receive orders from government-linked agencies to produce gifts. I also receive orders for weddings. And I teach others the weaving technique.”

Although her monthly income is not fixed, Asni says she is still able to provide food and other necessities for her family.

“Recently, I got an order worth RM23,000, where my profit is RM17,000. Other times, I can get RM8,000 per month and sometimes, just RM200 or RM300.

“I just need to be wise managing expenses,” she said.

MPSP president Rozali Mahamud said the upcycle programme was initiated to limit waste from plastics and paper, to spread awareness about repurposing waste and to create new work opportunities for the needy.

After numerous recycling drives in the past, he said many locals are still unaware that not all plastic waste can be recycled. If they are not taught, plastic use will lead to more pollution, since not everything is recycled.

“Plastics that can’t be recycled have high colouring content. For example, drinking packets or plastic banners,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

MPSP’s upcycle programme was launched in 2010 in eight areas, including Permatang Nibong, Tanah Liat dan Padang Lalang.

Residents in Seberang Perai can dispose of their waste at recycling collection centres in Permatang Nibong, Padang Lalang and Kepala Gajah.

“For items that can be recycled, we separate and sell to factories. Under this programme, we collect what is re-usable to make new products.

“This area has experts in weaving, so we provide them with the materials and help them with the marketing,” Rozali said.

He said besides increasing the income of some residents, MPSP is also able to help them understand that the public also have a part in keeping the environment clean.

The council has the country’s highest recycling rate overall, at 47%, yet recycled plastics make up only 4%.

“People think MPSP’s duty is just fixing road lamps, cleaning drains and grass cutting. Yet, despite all this, our environment is still not clean and people still throw rubbish everywhere.

“The authorities can’t handle everything, the public have to exercise control and realise that there are recycled items that can be sold.

“The upcycle programme shows people that waste can be re-used, and for the B40 group, they can have business opportunities.”

At grassroots level, some villagers have formed a cooperative to re-purpose plastic waste that can be recycled.

Koperasi Lestari Alam Sekitar was started in Permatang Nibong, Permatang Pauh in 2014, after some of its villagers joined a weaving workshop.

Now, the cooperative has 59 members, five of whom are women.

They produce handbags, flower arrangements and wedding decorations from plastic waste that is cleaned before use.

Co-op member Suria Abu Bakar said her income from this initiative is not fixed but it has taught her a new skill.

“At least we gain knowledge to make something on our own. Apart from staying at home we can learn new skills and make some money.

“Although it is not a monthly income, we can save up for Hari Raya or for personal shopping,” she said.

The cooperative gets orders from MPSP and other government agencies, occasionally. 

Each order brings in between RM8,000 to RM10,000 to the cooperative, which splits the earnings among members.

Suria feels, however, that the cooperative is having a hard time selling their products as they are not equipped or trained in marketing.

“I am hoping that there will be someone to help us with the marketing. We would welcome this so much.

“We want to continue to grow, we have everything but we just need to sell it. We don’t mind working hard, if someone wants 100 items, we will do it,” she said. – August 25, 2019.