RESIDENTS in Shah Alam are getting more innovative and creative in their community projects.
They do not just grow fruits, vegetables and herbs for their own consumption, some are more innovative and sell their products to sustain their community projects.
These creative ideas were put on display during the launch of the Shah Alam City Council’s (MBSA) Mini Zon Bersih Green Award Convention, also known as MiniZeebee, at MBSA Banquet Hall in Setia Alam.
This is the second time the convention was held.
Since 2014, about 67 residents’ associations, village development and security committees (JKKK) and Joint Manangement Bodies have taken part in the MiniZeeBee competition.
This year, 27 residents’ bodies from residents’ associations and residents’ representative councils are contending in three categories — residential, high-rise and open category (for past winners to compete with one another).
Following the exhibition, each group presented their community projects to third-party judges and on a later date, judges will visit each resident body for the final judging.
The criteria to win is based on the resident group’s landscaping, community garden, recycling and energy saving practices, and must be clean and green.
The competition will end in October and an award ceremony will be held in November.
Among the competitors were joint management body representatives from Pangsapuri Seri Palma under MPP Zone 15.
They displayed pictures of community events such as sewing sessions, gotong-royong, community garden and its produce as well as recycling efforts.
But what caught the eye of passersby were their use of old containers that were turned into chairs. Painted in bright yellow, these chairs have seat linings made from cut up instant noodle plastics.
Resident Saimah Mat Zaini said this was the first time their JMB was taking part in the competition.
“We do a lot of community events to bring residents together. The mothers and children in our community get together to sew old banners and turn them into recycled bags. We also plant our own vegetables,” she said.
In Taman Setia Warisan U6, Shah Alam, beautiful flowers and recycled materials transformed into swans or even a cartoon character welcome visitors.
The residents’ association here, representing MPP Zone 17, under the guidance of Foong Saik Hoong, do not shy away from putting their creativity on display.
At their booth, they had an old metal container turned into a garden trolley and old tyres as pots for flowers.
Committee member Iskandar Rahmad said about 100 residents contribute to beautifying the neighbourhood.
Residents make their own fertiliser, rear catfish, and produce alkaline water for sale.
Apart from just growing herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowers, the Jalan Menara Residents’ Association, Bukit Jelutong, representing MPP Zone 19 on the other hand are rearing bees for honey.
They also installed solar-powered lighting in their neighbourhood for energy conservation.
Shah Alam mayor Datuk Ahmad Zaharin Mohd Saad spent an hour-and-a-half looking through each exhibition booth.
Ahmad Zaharin said he was impressed with what he saw.
“I see potential in many of the ideas exhibited. Just when I think I know who the winner might be, I see something else that’s equally as impressive,” he said.
He said this year’s turnout was better and the council along with councillors did not have to do much persuading for residents of different zones to take part in the competition.
The MiniZeebee, he said, was a platform for residents to share their knowledge of sustainable ways to keep their community projects going and to maintain their residential area without depending too much on MBSA.
It also encourages green initiatives among the community.
“With residents’ help, our programme can be a success and by 2030, I’m sure Shah Alam will be declared a low-carbon city,” he said.
Winners of the competition will take home RM10,000, RM7,000 and RM5,000.
However, Ahmad Zaharin is planning to reward the winner with a trip to a location yet to be decided, where residents can learn more about green practices that can be applied to their neighbourhood.
