The phrase “Small actions, big ripple effect” couldn’t be truer for Skuad Johor Bersih (SJB), a grassroots initiative that’s captured the attention of millions. What began as a simple cleanup effort has gone viral, with SJB’s TikTok posts racking up millions of views and sparking conversations across Johor and beyond. Even the state government has taken notice.
At the forefront of SJB is Mohd Karami Rashid or better known as Amy, a passionate Johorean on a mission to restore the cleanliness of Johor Bahru, starting with small but impactful actions. His journey began with a simple goal: to clean up local areas and reduce the risk of flash floods, which are often exacerbated by clogged drains and irresponsible waste disposal. However, as their efforts caught the public’s eye, Amy realized there was an opportunity to inspire a larger shift in how Johoreans think about environmental responsibility and waste management.
Amy is not alone in this quest. He is joined by nine other dedicated volunteers, all of whom share his passion for a cleaner, greener Johor. Together, the squad of ten has taken it upon themselves to lead by example, showing that even ordinary citizens can make a significant impact. Since the beginning of their initiative, they have cleaned up eight areas within Johor Bahru, each effort driven by the desire to protect their surroundings and prevent environmental hazards.
In May 2024, SJB’s efforts went viral when a TikTok video of the squad cleaning up a drain garnered over 4 million views. The clip didn’t just capture the attention of the public but also caught the eye of local government agencies, including the Menteri Besar of Johor. This recognition from the state’s highest office was more than just symbolic — it represented a growing awareness of the need for collective action to maintain Johor’s cleanliness.
“This initiative is not about pointing fingers.” Amy explained.
It’s about working together with our communities and authorities to ensure that everyone can enjoy a clean, healthy environment. We’ve received a lot of support from the public and want to help create an environment free from the risk of diseases caused by improper waste disposal.
Amy’s concerns are valid. A single plastic bottle can take up to 450 years to biodegrade. Every day, tonnes of rubbish are tossed into rivers, drains, and hidden areas, contributing to pollution and environmental decay. Amy is determined to change this, starting with educating the public about the harmful effects of littering.
In Johor, youth-led environmental initiatives are gaining momentum, with young leaders taking ownership of local sustainability projects. Eco Warriors Johor, for instance, has been actively involved in advocating for plastic reduction, organizing community beach clean-ups, and promoting sustainable urban planning. These initiatives are giving young people the opportunity to lead real, impactful change at the community level.
Through youth-driven organizations like Youth for Climate Action Malaysia, Johor’s youth are mobilizing support for environmental action, participating in climate strikes, and ensuring their voices are heard at national and global levels. This grassroots activism helps connect local efforts with larger movements aimed at addressing global climate challenges.
“All of this comes down to mindset. Why throw garbage into the very places you live? We don’t want our children and future generations growing up in trash-filled environments. We want them to enjoy clean beaches and rivers, just like we did in our childhood,” he said passionately.
Beyond encouraging people to stop littering, Amy is also pushing for greater civic engagement. He urges Johoreans to report cases of improper garbage disposal or failures in local cleaning services to their local councils.
“We’re the guardians of the environment,” Amy emphasized. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to take care of the earth and leave behind a better legacy for future generations.”
Looking to the future, Amy shared plans to expand SJB’s efforts beyond Johor Bahru.
“We hope to bring our initiative to other districts within Johor, spreading the message further and transforming the mindset of all Johoreans. Sayangilah Johor — let’s answer the call for a cleaner, greener Johor together.”
