'Don't mess with Melaka' campaign baseless

MELAKA: Allegations by certain parties that the 'Don't Mess With Melaka' campaign was a copycat of the 'Don't Mess With Texas' campaign are baseless, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
He said they have contacted authorities in Texas, United States of America, and received a positive response regarding the Don't Mess With Melaka campaign.
"They said it would be a good thing if all countries could hold the same campaign for a cleaner world and encourage cleanliness among the people.
"There is no question about copying or copyright, even they (Texas) welcome the campaign in Melaka," he told Bernama today.
The Don't Mess With Melaka campaign was launched by Idris in May last year to promote a clean environment in Melaka, which is an important aspect for the tourism industry.
The Don't Mess With Texas campaign, launched in 1986, aimed to reduce littering in the state and was reported to have successfully reduced littering by up to 72% between 1986 and 1990.
Idris said the state government welcomes feedback to ensure the campaign remains relevant in the state.
"Honestly, I don't see these allegations as negative, instead I see it as something positive as it has promoted the campaign to the public," he said.
However, he emphasised that the campaign needs support from various parties, especially government agencies, private sector and the public.
Efforts to instill a culture of cleanliness through the campaign is not an overnight effort and will require long-term and consistent efforts by all parties, he added. – Bernama