JCI Kota Bharu successfully organised The 4C Project, a community-driven initiative built around Conservation, Calm, Connection and Community, bringing together young leaders, NGOs, businesses, volunteers and travellers for a meaningful weekend at Pulau Perhentian.
Led by Organising Chairperson Lee Kun Kheng, the project combined marine conservation, wellness activities and community engagement, while also introducing participants to local NGOs and conservation organisations operating on the island.
Activities included beach and underwater clean-ups, waste segregation, coral conservation education, coral adoption, meditation and sound healing.
The project removed a total of 50.475kg of waste, including approximately 17.885kg of plastic and 7.775kg of underwater waste, with at least 776 individual waste items recorded.
Participants also supported the adoption of 20 corals through collaboration with the Alunan Coral Project.
During the programme, tourists from different countries also voluntarily joined the activity, extending the project’s impact beyond registered participants.
The project also participated in the Plastic Free July Challenge by the Plastic Free Foundation, further reinforcing its message of reducing plastic consumption and encouraging responsible environmental behaviour.
A key objective of the project was also to help participants better understand the realities faced by local conservation groups.
Lee shared that the team had originally planned to visit a sea turtle conservation centre, but the centre was unable to receive visitors due to a shortage of manpower.
It made us realise that some conservation centres are not lacking in purpose, but in people. We hope travellers coming to Perhentian will not only enjoy the island, but also consider joining short-term volunteer programmes where possible.”
The project also worked closely with ProjekWaste, Alunan Coral Project, LK Manipura, Below the Surface and Kian Giap Motors, while tourists from different countries spontaneously joined the beach clean-up during the programme.
Beyond conservation, the 4C Project aimed to create stronger awareness of local community needs, promote volunteerism and connect visitors with organisations that are already doing the work on the ground.
The 4C Project is planned as a multi-year initiative, with future editions expected to deepen collaboration with local NGOs, conservation centres and community partners while promoting responsible tourism and volunteer participation across Pulau Perhentian.
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