JOHOR BARU: The opening of Kuru Kuru at Sutera Mall here today is set to add impetus to the state’s recycling culture.
Kuru Kuru, which means "circulation" in Japanese, allows consumers to donate usable items which are then offered for free to other consumers who need them.
Founded in 2006 by the Zero Waste Academy in Kamikatsu, Japan, Kuru Kuru’s “circulation” concept is now firmly in Johor.
Johor Department of Environment director Datuk Dr Mohammad Ezanni Mat Salleh, who officiated the shop’s launch here on Saturday, said the concept is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
"We get to help the underprivileged, as each family is entitled to take two items from the shop without any charge.
"Those who want to get rid of clutter can donate their items here and this encourages recycling," Mohammad Ezanni said at the launch of the "Good Earth Effective Microorganism (EM) and Me 2.0” exhibition at the Sutera Mall, which runs until July 23.
He said the government fully support the programme, which is aimed at environmental conservation.
The developer of Sutera Mall, Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd, has been organising "EM and Me" exhibitions since 2012 in a bid to spread awareness on recycling and earth preservation.
The company recently won the Building Construction Authority of Singapore's Green Mark Award, for using EM in its development and sustainability journey.