To demonstrate his love for the country, 70-year-old Nordin Nayan from Kampung Wang Besar here has incorporated recycling into his daily life for more than 30 years.

The senior citizen, who sells newspapers at Pasar Besar Sena, said his efforts go beyond financial gain: they are driven by his commitment to maintain a clean environment and preserve the beauty of the country.

“I collect items such as boxes, tin cans, plastic water bottles and scrap metal from large garbage bins and night markets. If I come across any discarded recyclables on my way home from Pasar Besar Sena, I’ll also pick them up.

“I can’t stand rubbish scattered everywhere,” he told Bernama recently.

The septuagenarian’s contribution may seem insignificant to some, but he believes that if more Malaysians adopted the same practice, the country would be much cleaner.

On average, he can collect between 100kg and 200kg of recyclables every fortnight, earning an estimated RM50 for 200kg when sold to recycling collection centres.

Last year, Nordin took home a top prize at the National Recycling Day celebration organised by Perlis’s Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation.

The award was presented to him for collecting the largest amount of recyclables, and in recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation.

Munir Amani Dasheer from waste management company E-Idaman Sdn Bhd said individuals like Nordin play a crucial role in maintaining local cleanliness.

“Their efforts embody patriotism and love for the country through environmental preservation for the well-being of future generations. Therefore, they deserve our respect and support,” he said.