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Statewide scrub-up for tourism push in Johor

Statewide scrub-up for tourism push in Johor

The Star21 hours ago
A contractor from SWCorp using a high-pressure water jet to clean walkways during 'Operasi Tanpa Debu' in Legaran Segget, Johor Baru. — Courtesy photo
SOME 40 high-pressure jetting lorries have been dispatched around the city as Johor Baru gears up for Visit Johor 2026.
Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said 'Operasi Tanpa Debu' (Dust-Free Operation) was aimed at enhancing cleanliness in high-traffic zones in anticipation of increased tourists for the coming year.
'Besides being rubbish-free, we want the city to be dust-free and dirt-free to better welcome our visitors.
Khalid (centre) says scheduled cleaning work at tourist spots in Iskandar Puteri and Mersing are also underway.
'We want the streets to look like those in developed countries – well-maintained and always looking new.
'This will no longer be just a vision,' said Khalid during a cleaning operation at Legaran Segget, which involved three high-pressure cleaning lorries and a road-sweeper machine, supported by 15 cleaning personnel.
He added that SWCorp, in collaboration with SWM Environment and Johor Baru City Council, began the cleaning operation in June on a scheduled basis at key public areas.
'We started work in tourist-oriented areas such as Puteri Harbour in Iskandar Puteri, Laman Kreatif Kluang and Dataran Kembara in Mersing.
'Public spaces such as markets, transport terminals, walkways and other tourist spots are being prioritised,' said Khalid, adding that the cleaning process was completely chemical-free and relied only on water pressure.
He added that SWCorp has taken this new approach across the state, starting with areas that have a high volume of tourists.
'We understand that cleanliness and aesthetic appeal in these areas will attract more tourists to explore the surrounding communities,' said Khalid.
'Legaran Segget will soon have brand-new look and visitors from beyond Johor and Malaysia will return home with stories of Johor Baru's charm and beauty.'
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Statewide scrub-up for tourism push in Johor
Statewide scrub-up for tourism push in Johor

The Star

time21 hours ago

  • The Star

Statewide scrub-up for tourism push in Johor

A contractor from SWCorp using a high-pressure water jet to clean walkways during 'Operasi Tanpa Debu' in Legaran Segget, Johor Baru. — Courtesy photo SOME 40 high-pressure jetting lorries have been dispatched around the city as Johor Baru gears up for Visit Johor 2026. Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said 'Operasi Tanpa Debu' (Dust-Free Operation) was aimed at enhancing cleanliness in high-traffic zones in anticipation of increased tourists for the coming year. 'Besides being rubbish-free, we want the city to be dust-free and dirt-free to better welcome our visitors. Khalid (centre) says scheduled cleaning work at tourist spots in Iskandar Puteri and Mersing are also underway. 'We want the streets to look like those in developed countries – well-maintained and always looking new. 'This will no longer be just a vision,' said Khalid during a cleaning operation at Legaran Segget, which involved three high-pressure cleaning lorries and a road-sweeper machine, supported by 15 cleaning personnel. He added that SWCorp, in collaboration with SWM Environment and Johor Baru City Council, began the cleaning operation in June on a scheduled basis at key public areas. 'We started work in tourist-oriented areas such as Puteri Harbour in Iskandar Puteri, Laman Kreatif Kluang and Dataran Kembara in Mersing. 'Public spaces such as markets, transport terminals, walkways and other tourist spots are being prioritised,' said Khalid, adding that the cleaning process was completely chemical-free and relied only on water pressure. He added that SWCorp has taken this new approach across the state, starting with areas that have a high volume of tourists. 'We understand that cleanliness and aesthetic appeal in these areas will attract more tourists to explore the surrounding communities,' said Khalid. 'Legaran Segget will soon have brand-new look and visitors from beyond Johor and Malaysia will return home with stories of Johor Baru's charm and beauty.'

Confusion over MATTA and MATA—intentional or otherwise?
Confusion over MATTA and MATA—intentional or otherwise?

Focus Malaysia

time4 days ago

  • Focus Malaysia

Confusion over MATTA and MATA—intentional or otherwise?

I REFER to the Bernama report 'New tourist bus safety regulations in Malaysia from Aug 1' published on July 14. The first paragraph is reproduced here in toto: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATA) has voiced strong support for the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) in enforcing new regulations for tourist bus operations. And the following paragraph: Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun JP, MATA president, stated that the updated rules, effective from Aug 1, will introduce stricter maintenance schedules, driver working hour limits, GPS tracking, and compulsory six-month safety checks. Over the past six years, some reporters and editors were unclear or confused between MATTA and MATA, and they were not at fault if they had been misled or not corrected, But it had brought much confusion among the public. MATTA was established half a century ago, and its registered name was 'Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents'. Its acronym was also used in the 50-year-old logo. The headquarters of the association is housed in its own building in Kuala Lumpur named Wisma MATTA, On the other hand, MATA was founded six years ago in 2019 and shares the same Seremban address as Housecoff Travel & Tours as listed by MOTAC, with Datuk Seri Dr H Mohd Khalid Harun as the president & CEO. Interestingly, Khalid served as MATTA president until 2013. But on Sept 11, 2014, MATTA held an extraordinary general meeting which voted overwhelmingly to expel five of its members, including Khalid, who were office bearers of MATA for causing moral and material damage to MATTA. MATA was registered as 'Persatuan Agensi Pelancongan Malaysia' and the correct translation is Malaysia Tourism Agency Association and abbreviation MTAA. Both the above official Malay and English names are stated in its website Instead of using MTAA, MATA was used to masquerade as MATTA and its popular MATTA Fairs. Before the pandemic, there were more than 3,600 MATTA corporate members in 2019. MATTA's website allows the public to verify all its members listed in 'Member Directory'. In contrast, MATA's website has only four names, all from its 'Executive Committee' and an occasion scheduled in 2022 is still listed under 'Upcoming Events'. It appears there were hardly any activities in MATA, but claims to represent the majority of tourism players in Malaysia. There are more than 10 travel associations in Malaysia listed in 'Travel associations are one too many' published on May 28, 2020, which may provide an inkling as to why they were set up. Are these trade bodies serving their industry or just a platform to draw attention and gain importance? ‒ July 18, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: MATTA

Johor schools target 30 tons of glass bottles in SWM recycling campaign
Johor schools target 30 tons of glass bottles in SWM recycling campaign

The Sun

time5 days ago

  • The Sun

Johor schools target 30 tons of glass bottles in SWM recycling campaign

JOHOR BAHRU: SWM Environment Sdn Bhd and Yayasan Johor Corporation have launched the Cabaran Kaca Pun Boleh recycling campaign, targeting 30 tonnes of glass bottles from 60 primary schools in Johor. The initiative, running from this month until November, seeks to promote environmental awareness and sustainable waste management. Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin, corporate general manager of SWM Environment, said the campaign highlights the benefits of glass recycling while encouraging community participation. 'We've introduced the Creative Glass Bottle Recycling Video Competition and the STEM Innovation Challenge to engage teachers, students, parents, and the public,' he said. The programme builds on existing efforts like the KITARecycle Glass Bottles campaign and Glass Bottle Recycling Corner.

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