PORT DICKSON – A 59-year-old former Malaysian Armed Forces personnel remains dedicated to keeping beaches clean by capitalising on his skills in operating heavy equipment to become the handler of beach comber machine, belonging to SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM Environment).
Johari Harun, who started his career in the 3D (Dirty, Dangerous, and Difficult) industry in 2004, said it was important for cleaning workers to be disciplined and committed in carrying out their daily tasks to ensure that people can live in a clean and comfortable environment.
“This beach comber machine is capable of collecting ocean debris up to 2.8 hectares of the beach area in an hour.
“Previously, I was tasked with handling excavators for SWM Environment. In 2013, I was assigned to operate the beach comber together with another colleague,” he told Bernama.
Although it was very challenging, Johari who received formal training through the National Dual Training System (SLDN), organised by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation of Malaysia (SWCorp Malaysia) for eight months, last year, said it did not dampen his spirit to continue doing the noble job.
Every day, Johari said he would start the beach cleaning routine early in the morning to avoid any inconvenience to beachgoers.
“However, on weekends, I will start cleaning on the other side of the beach as visitors will be camping or sleeping there to avoid untoward incidents,” said the Class H licence holder who can drive heavy wheeled motorised machines with unloaded weight exceeding 5000 kg.
Johari said the job had also changed his life for the better despite facing various challenges including when his wife was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2005.
“It was quite a struggle at that time, I had to commute to the Ampang Hospital in Selangor after work. I almost gave up but I was grateful to have a very supportive and understanding employer,” he said, adding that his wife has now recovered from the disease.
The father of six said with the job he was also able to provide his children with the best education, thuse qualifying them for high positions in the government and private sectors.
Johari called on the younger generation not to take 3D jobs lightly as there are always opportunitiesf for those who have a strong will to succeed.
Meanwhile, SWM Environment corporate general manager, Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said based on data from Greenpeace, an environmental non-governmental organisation, a total of 2,334 cigarette buts, 328 plastic bottles, 133 straws, 117 plastic bottle caps were collected by volunteers in conjunction with World Clean Up Day in 2019.
He said SWM Environment will continue to work with SWCorp Malaysia and the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) in raising awareness of maintaining environmental sustainability among the public.
