Earth Day isn’t just another date on the calendar – it’s a global wake-up call. And for Malaysia, the call is getting louder.
Our nation is at a critical crossroads. While our economy thrives on industries like shipping, oil and gas, and palm oil, which collectively make up over 50% of our GDP, they also leave a heavy footprint on our environment[1].
The dilemma is clear: how do we balance economic growth with environmental responsibility?
We’ve all heard the buzzwords – climate change, global warming, rising sea levels. But even with all the warnings, wasteful habits continue unchecked. It’s easy to think, “I’m just one person. What difference can I make?”
But here’s the truth: when millions of individuals choose to act, their collective impact is undeniable. Small actions, when multiplied, can drive real, lasting change.
What Is Earth Day and Why It Matters in 2025
This year, Earth Day 2025 rallies under the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, urging the world to transition boldly to renewable energy. The goal? To triple global clean energy capacity by 2030. It’s an ambitious target, but one that underscores the power of working together.
Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, has its roots in a powerful movement. First observed in 1970 thanks to U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, it was born out of the environmental consciousness of the 1960s. Since then, it has grown into a global campaign spotlighting deforestation, pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss[2].
Experts around the world agree: the only way to tackle environmental challenges is through collective effort. In Malaysia, community initiatives like beach cleanups, mass tree-planting, and plogging (picking up litter while jogging) are vivid examples of how grassroots action can lead to a nationwide impact.
The message resonates globally, too. At the World Economic Forum, collaboration is often cited as the driving force behind climate resilience.
In an era marked by escalating climate challenges, the importance of collective action cannot be overstated. From mitigating the effects of global warming to addressing resource scarcity, no single entity – governmental, corporate, or nonprofit – can tackle these pressing issues alone. – HCLTech Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director C. Vijayakumar[3]
It’s not just about partnerships. It’s about a shared purpose of uniting individuals, corporations, and governments in a common mission. In Malaysia, this mindset could be the key to turning our climate challenges into opportunities for renewal, for resilience, and for real change.
Inspiring Environmental Movements in Malaysia
Across the nation, everyday Malaysians have rolled up their sleeves to protect what matters. From mass clean-ups to eco-conscious fun runs and global collaborations, these movements show what’s possible when we come together. Here are some of the most impactful initiatives making waves:
#1: Clean-up Penang Island 2024
One of the most ambitious environmental events ever held in Malaysia, Clean-Up Penang Island 2024 brought together a staggering 100,000 volunteers. In a massive show of unity, they cleared plastic waste from beaches and forests, then went on to plant over one million trees, setting the stage for a potential record in Earth Day history, currently under review by the Malaysia Book of Records[4].
The event was powered by a strong collaboration between EARTHDAY.ORG, the Malaysian Humanitarian Foundation, Penang Island City Council, and World Clean Up Day Malaysia. Their mission? To reclaim Penang Island’s natural beauty from the growing tide of plastic pollution threatening not only the ecosystem but also the health of its people and biodiversity.
Henry Kok-Kheng Teh, co-founder of the Malaysian Humanitarian Foundation, summed up their bold ambition:
Our goal is to activate 5% of the Malaysian population to join in and create sweeping changes across Penang Island and the country. – Henry Kok-Kheng Teh, co-founder of the Malaysian Humanitarian Foundation[4]
The urgency behind this movement couldn’t be clearer. TV host and EARTHDAY.ORG ambassador Melissa Tan reinforced the need for decisive, united action:
The end of the plastic crisis takes cohesive, radical change backed with action at all levels. Plastic pollution is literally in our biological systems, in our bodies, in our lungs. There is no time for half measures, and we all need to step up. – Melissa Tan[4]
#2: Plogging Movement 2024
In a creative spin on community clean-ups, the Plogging Movement 2024 turned exercise into activism. Organized by the Swedish Embassy in Malaysia, in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Bernama, the event brought together Swedish and Malaysian citizens for a jog with a purpose—picking up litter along the way.
Held at Kebun Bandar Sungai Bunus in Kuala Lumpur, the event spotlighted the growing trend of plogging – a Swedish-born concept that merges “jogging” with “plocka upp,” meaning to pick up litter.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Joachim Bergström, captured the deeper meaning behind the activity:
It signifies a change in mindset – a shift towards environmental responsibility, making small daily choices that collectively make a significant impact. – Dr Joachim Bergström[5]
By uniting people across borders, the event underscored the power of cross-cultural collaboration in fighting plastic pollution and championing sustainability.
#3: Global Halt Campaign 2020
Art met activism in the Global Halt campaign, a worldwide urban art movement launched on Earth Day 2020 to raise awareness of climate change. Featuring hundreds of striking artworks tagged with #2020halt, the campaign envisioned a future shaped by climate inaction—and inspired viewers to help halt it.
Among the featured artists were two creative forces from Malaysia: Cloakwork and Wilsonnws7.
Kuala Lumpur-based street artist Cloakwork made waves with Melting, a bold visual of ice-cream-like cones dripping down a wall with the message, “Only you can stop global warming!!” Through vibrant street art, he challenged everyday Malaysians to rethink their role in preserving the planet.
Sabahan artist, Wilsonnws7 took a more sobering approach with There is No Plan B, featuring lava-like letters and imagery of a damaged Earth. The piece was a powerful commentary on the dangers of unchecked environmental destruction.
The piece that I submitted depicts a world that is damaged. Anthropogenic climate change in particular, is of concern — damaging the planet for the sake of monetary gain. The world has to stop extracting resources and emitting greenhouse gases at an unsustainable rate and perhaps realise that the short-term economic gains will be at the expense of future generations. – Wilsonnws7[6]
Their works remind us that creativity is a powerful tool in shaping conversations and actions around climate.
#4: National Geographic Earth Day Run 2019
Back in 2019, over 2,300 eco-conscious Malaysians laced up their running shoes for the National Geographic Earth Day Run at Gamuda Walk, Kota Kemuning. But this wasn’t just any fun run—it was part of National Geographic’s global Planet or Plastic? initiative, a multi-year effort to raise awareness about single-use plastics and their devastating effects on our oceans.
In addition to the run, participants were treated to a lively Race Village with composting and seed-planting workshops, exciting games, and eco-friendly giveaways. Even hydration was sustainable—runners were encouraged to bring their own refillable bottles, reducing the need for disposable cups.
As National Geographic’s ongoing commendable effort is in line with Gamuda Land’s brand values, we are truly happy to lend our support as we believe that through this strategic partnership, we will be able to educate our communities on living sustainably more effectively. – Aw Sei Cheh, Project Director of Gamuda Land[7]
The run wasn’t just about clocking miles, it was about making each step count for the planet.
How Can You Be Part Of The Change In 2025?
This Earth Day, don’t just celebrate the planet – protect it. Across Malaysia, changemakers are coming together to host exciting events that invite you to learn, act, and make a difference. Whether it’s running for a cause, mending clothes, or learning about composting, there’s something for everyone. Here’s how you can get involved:
#1: JOM JAGA BUMI – April 19, 2025 @ PARC, Subang Ria
Zero Waste Malaysia, alongside several eco-conscious partners, is calling all Malaysians to gather for JOM JAGA BUMI, a community-powered Earth Day celebration packed with hands-on learning and sustainable fun.
Expect a day filled with inspiring workshops and eco-activities:
- Repair Workshop (by Zero Waste Malaysia): Learn basic sewing techniques to mend torn fabrics and extend the life of your clothes.
- Seed Starting Workshop (by Grow Subang): Discover how to start a garden using compostable materials.
- Fashion Revolution Week (by Fashion Revolution Malaysia): Explore the impact of fast fashion and how to make better choices.
- Other highlights include Refiller Mobile, Polished Edge, and Kawan Guni, showcasing creative upcycling and zero-waste solutions.
From making seed bombs to transforming plastic waste into stylish keychains, there’s something meaningful and fun for everyone. Don’t forget to register for each workshop in advance on the event webpage[8].
#2: Earth Day Run 2025 – April 27, 2025 @ Dpulze, Cyberjaya
Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement for Earth Day Run 2025! This 5km fun run, happening at Dpulze Shopping Centre in Cyberjaya, brings together health enthusiasts and environmental advocates for a good cause.
It’s not just about fitness, it’s about building community while promoting sustainability.
Registration is open from 6 Mar 2025 till 17 Apr 2025 and can be made via HeyJom or Ticket2u.
#3: Earth Day KL 2025: Our Power, Our Planet – April 19, 2025 @ Taman Rimba Kiara, TTDI
Looking for a family-friendly, nature-filled event? Head over to Taman Rimba Kiara on April 19 for Earth Day KL 2025, organised by Friends of Bukit Kiara under the global theme Our Power, Our Planet.
From plogging (jogging + litter picking) to engaging nature talks, eco-markets, and interactive booths, the event is designed to inspire all ages to live more sustainably. Children can look forward to nature-based play, while parents enjoy meaningful conversations with eco-advocates.
The event runs from 730am to 12pm and will be officially launched by Segambut MP YB Hannah Yeoh. Find out more here.
Explore our sources:
- E. Koons. (2024). Climate Change in Malaysia – Environmental Issues and Solutions. Energy Tracker Asia. Link
- The Economic Times. (2025). Earth Day 2025: Why is the day celebrated; what are the major events. The Economic Times. Link
- C. Vijayakumar. (2025). Collective action is the key to drive urgency in building climate resilience. World Economic Forum. Link
- EARTHDAY.ORG. (2024). EARTHDAY.ORG and The Malaysian Humanitarian Foundation Join Forces To Attempt the BIGGEST Clean Up Event of 2024 – on Penang Island, Malaysia. Link
- F. Fong. (2024). Plogging Movement: Malaysia And Sweden’s Joint Stride Against Plastic Pollution. The Rakyat Post. Link
- EARTHDAY.ORG. (2020). Artists for the Earth: Malaysia street artists champion Global Halt campaign. Link
- Xtra. (2019). Over 2,300 Runners Thronged The National Geographic Earth Day Run 2019 Finish Line. Link
- Zerowastemalaysia_official. (2025). Join us this Earth Day weekend for JOM JAGA BUMI. Instagram. Link
