1. Updated FAQ on medical repricing interim measures is now available.

 

2. We acknowledge the recent press statement issued by Bank Negara Malaysia regarding interim measures to address the contribution revisions for medical plans. As a responsible takaful operator, we take this matter seriously and remain committed to act in the best interests of our customers. These interim measures aim to provide our customers the flexibility to better navigate and manage their financials while preserving their medical coverage.

 

We understand the importance of keeping our customers informed and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.

 

In the meantime, we encourage you to click here for more details or contact our dedicated customer service line at 1300-13-8338 and press 6 after language selection, from Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.15pm (except Public Holiday) for further assistance.

 

3. Temporary Suspension of New Direct Debit Authorisation (DDA) Applications

Please be informed that the submission of new Direct Debit Authorisation (DDA) applications will be temporarily suspended effective from 16th January 2025 until further notice. Click here for more details.

 

4.   Revised Operating Hours During Fasting Month

We wish to inform you that the operating hours of our Customer Care Centre at Level 3, Head Office and Customer Careline will be revised. Click here for more details.

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Old items and ways to reuse them

Old items and ways to reuse them

One of the 5Rs is “reuse. Here are some of the things that we can reuse and the ways you can reuse them.

01 Oct 2024
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Old items and ways to reuse them

According to Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), Malaysians throw away about 39,078 tonnes of solid waste – that makes about 1.17kg per person! Food makes up the biggest component of domestic waste at 30.6%, followed by plastic (21.9%), paper (15.3%), disposable diapers (8.2%) and hazardous household waste (4.2%).

Waste cannot be totally eliminated but practising a sustainable lifestyle can aid in reducing what goes in the landfills, starting with the 5Rs. One of the 5Rs is “reuse”, which means reusing the item again for its original purposes or to fulfil different purposes through upcycling. You may find that reusing and upcycling items is not as difficult as you think. Here are some of the things that we can reuse and the ways you can reuse them. 

Disposable plastic containers and bottles

A top component of waste is plastic, due to some prominent reasons! Observing the takeaway or “tapau” culture as of late, many disposable plastic containers, cups and bottles are thrown into the garbage. Besides that, people can be unaware of proper recycling processes for plastics. So, consider washing and keeping them the next time you takeaway food or beverages.

How can we reuse these plastic items?

  • Storage solutions
    Takeaway plastic containers and bottles can be used as storage solutions for your home. It is advised not to store food items in used plastic containers; however, they can be added as separators in your kitchen drawers to organise your cooking utensils and cutlery. Use them as holders for your pens and wires in the office or to keep clean unused cleaning sponges.
  • Planters
    Disposable water bottles can be cut on one side to house new plant cuttings, or to nurse fruit/vegetable seeds to saplings. There are also ways to make a self-watering planter, if you are feeling adventurous. The plastic takeaway cups can also be used as a planter or pot for small plants.
  • Plant sprinklers
    Also related to gardening, you can repurpose disposable plastic bottles to be sprinklers to water your plants with. All that you would need to do is to puncture a few holes in the bottle cap with a sharp tool.

The above are great ways to reuse disposable plastic items, from turning them into storage solutions to plant tools. Even companies like us at Great Eastern Takaful are looking into upcycling plastic items in their efforts to reduce plastic waste, as well as educating schools pertaining the topic.

Old clothing

Consumerism and micro fashion trends have led to increased clothing items in landfills. This can be harmful as a lot of mass-produced clothing is made from polyester, a form of microplastic, which could seep into soil and water in the long run. Hence, it is important to note what your clothing is made from and more importantly, that you keep your wardrobe minimal by buying less. How about old clothes?

Besides choosing to purchase or swap second-hand clothing to be worn, old clothing can be repurposed into wall art, by cutting out the graphic or pattern from your favourite old top and placing it in a photo frame. T-shirts can also be made into shopping bags and bathmats, by cutting and knotting. If you are familiar with sewing, you can make pillowcases and quilted blankets out of the fabric.

Expired makeup products

One should not use makeup products of more than 3 years as its usage may lead to acne, allergies and infections. This may be bad news for the ladies, realising the number of products they should no longer be using and are not quite sure what to do.

While it cannot be applied to the face, makeup can be applied to a canvas or drawing paper! Unleash the hidden artist in you by using makeup as art medium for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. You could also turn this into an activity with the family, whereby the masterpieces could be framed and displayed in your home.

 

To recap, there is need to reduce waste especially that of harmful waste, and one way is by reusing or upcycling things such as disposable plastic containers and bottles, old clothing and even expired makeup products. There is still plenty that can be done  with other things, like old furniture. It may be worthwhile exploring possibilities, get creative – who knows, you might find a new hobby! After all, hobbies are good for you and your mental health too.

 

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