Kuala Lampur, June 28 -- On June 24, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming launched the National Recycling Campaign in a mall in Bukit Bintang, which is one of Malaysia's busiest commercial districts. Every day, thousands of people shop, dine, work and travel through the area. With that activity comes a huge amount of packaging, plastic bottles, cans, paper and other materials that are too often discarded after a single use.

That is why the launch location is significant. Bukit Bintang, where I am active in community work, represents modern urban consumption at its most visible. It is therefore the ideal place to demonstrate how vibrant commercial districts should lead the way in embracing more sustainable and responsible pr...