Southern University College Students Organize “Love the River, Love Malaysia” Cleanup Campaign

Johor Bahru — August 16. Students from the Department of Communication and Journalism Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Southern University College held the “Love the River, Love Malaysia” cleanup campaign on August 16. The initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness and patriotic spirit while serving as a practical project for Introduction to Public Relations subject.

The activity brought together students, lecturers, and community members of different ages and backgrounds. Within an hour, they collected 15 bags of waste, with plastic bottles, containers, and gloves identified as the most common items. Following the cleanup, participants gathered by the river for a picnic and discussions on sustainable practices. Many highlighted that the experience encouraged them to reduce the use of single-use plastics by carrying reusable water bottles and bags, as well as to adopt habits such as waste separation and responsible disposal.

The campaign not only restored cleanliness to the river but also strengthened participants’ sense of environmental responsibility. Organizers and participants expressed hope that the “Love the River, Love Malaysia” initiative will inspire continued efforts to protect natural resources and raise public awareness on environmental conservation.

南方大学学院 “爱护河流，热爱马来西亚”清河行动

南方大学学院人文与社会科学学院新闻系的学生于8月16日举办了 “爱护河流，热爱马来西亚” 清河活动，以实际行动结合环保与爱国精神。此次活动也是该课程的重要实践项目之一。

活动当天的现场氛围轻松愉快，师生和社区的居民们，不分种族与年龄，在欢声笑语中协力合作增添了温馨的气氛。根据参加者的观察，河边最常见的垃圾是塑料瓶、塑料盒以及手套。短短一小时内，大家共清理出15袋垃圾，让原本肮脏的环境迅速变得整洁。

在完成清理后，大家一起在干净美丽的河边享用野餐，同时交流环保知识。许多参加者表示，活动不仅让他们意识到塑料垃圾的危害，更促使他们在生活中开始减少一次性塑料的使用，如自备水瓶、环保袋，并养成垃圾分类、不随意丢弃废物的习惯。他们也认识到玻璃、尖锐物等垃圾对公共安全的威胁，更加珍惜自然资源和优美环境。

通过这次实践，参与者不仅为河流恢复清洁贡献力量，也增强了环保责任感，体会到保护环境的重要性。大家为能够亲身参与环保行动而感到自豪，并希望未来继续以行动守护自然，让“爱河流、爱马来西亚”的理念不断传递下去。