A staggering 272,390 Malaysians came together across 469 locations in a single day to clean up their communities, setting two new Malaysia Book of Records.

The nationwide effort on September 27 collected 8,010 tonnes of waste and 89 tonnes of recyclables, from beaches and rivers to city streets and parks. Volunteers ranged from schoolchildren to senior citizens.

Organizers said the turnout exceeded all expectations, with communities competing to gather the most waste. The two records recognize both the number of participants and the scale of the collection.

Malaysia has battled plastic pollution and illegal dumping for years. Campaigners hope the record day sparks lasting habits, turning a one-day blitz into a permanent culture of keeping the country clean.

The event was backed by local councils, schools and sponsors, with waste sorted for recycling on site. Organizers are already planning a bigger edition next year, aiming to make the cleanup an annual tradition.