NEGERI SEMBILAN, 08 July 2025

A DEVELOPER has unveiled a drive-through recycling centre in its Bandar Sri Sendayan township, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Pusat Pandu Lalu KITARecycle at d’Tempat Country Club in the township near Seremban, Negri Sembilan, allows residents to conveniently drop off recyclables such as paper, plastics, aluminium, e-waste and fabric.

The initiative by Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd is supported by integrated solid waste management and public cleansing provider SWM Environment, Seremban City Council and fabric recycling social enterprise Kloth Cares.

Matrix Concepts co-chief executive officer Chai Keng Wai said the initiative was built around a rewards-based recycling system via SWM Environment’s KITARecycle app, which empowers users to convert recyclables into redeemable points and ultimately, cash.

“Our ambition with the recycling centre is simple – to make recycling easy, rewarding and a natural part of everyday life.

“At the heart of this initiative is a simple but powerful idea, that people are more likely to care when they see the impact of their actions,” Chai said.

Since its inception in 2019, the KITARecycle programme has collected over 716 tonnes of recyclable waste in Negri Sembilan.

Through the app, users can register to track their recycling activities, earn points and redeem them for cash rewards.

A unique QR code system ensures a smooth experience for both regular and first-time users.

“Plans are underway to expand the recycling centre concept across Matrix’s townships and developments in the Klang Valley and Johor,” said Chai.

“Together with SWM Environment and Kloth Cares, our long-term goal is to achieve 50 tonnes of recyclables collected within the first 12 months of this facility’s opening.”

He said Matrix Concepts was also setting up KITARecycle stations within its business entities, including the group’s headquarters, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and hospitality division, reinforcing their commitment to consistent, accessible and organisation-wide recycling practices.

Recyclable items eligible for KITARecycle points collection include paper products such as old newspapers, magazines and cardboard, plastics like PET bottles and containers, aluminium cans, steel items, used cooking oil and e-waste.

Kloth Cares fabric upcycling bins have also been incorporated into the initiative to address the growing challenge of textile waste, with donated clothes sorted based on material and condition, with wearable items reused or repurposed.

Non-wearable textiles are processed into rags and cleaning cloths, or transformed into new fabric-based products.

State local government development, housing and transport committee chairman J. Arul Kumar, who launched the recycling facility, lauded the initiative as a commendable example of public-private collaboration.

“This programme reflects how sustainability can be championed at all levels, from corporations to individual households.

“It supports Negri Sembilan’s green agenda and is fully aligned with Malaysia’s vision for smart, low-carbon cities,” he said.

Also at the launch were Matrix Concepts group executive director Kelvin Lee Chin Chuan, SWM Environment corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin and Kloth Cares co-founder and director of operations Sarah Kedah.