Image: Clean Thaipusam FB
The Clean Thaipusam Campaign, did not only clean the surroundings of various temples in Malaysia, but also managed to salvage fruits that were thrown away after devotees offered their prayers at Batu Caves temple. The team collected bananas and other fruits, piled them up in a place for monkeys to grab them. The effort also received support from a bunch of good samaritans who packed the fruits and took it to feed monkeys in other locations out of Batu Caves.
Image: Clean Thaipusam FB
This is just some of the food that has gone to waste year after year during Thaipusam. Meanwhile, in Penang alone, at least 400,000 smashed coconuts have ended up in the landfills. It was reported by the Star that no company has stepped forward to convert the coconuts into resources this year.
According to the MBPP public health committee alternate chairman Nicholas Theng, there were efforts carried out to look for companies to turn the smashed coconuts into compost but there were no takers. It was understood that in 2014, an organisation stepped forward to process the smashed coconuts into fertiliser, in a process that took over six months. However, the move did not bring in sufficient returns for it to be sustainable.
During Thaipusam, devotees are known to smash up to 108 coconuts on the road just before the chariots approach them, following an ancient Hindu ritual, practised under the belief that the activity will dispel negative energy and help the devotee overcome obstacles.
It as also reported that, various NGOs including the Consumers Association of Penang have long objected to devotees smashing so many coconuts and further urged devotees to only smash one coconut in respect of the belief.
Image: Clean Thaipusam FB
Image: Clean Thaipusam FB
0 comments