Allegations by certain parties that the 'Don't mess with Malacca' campaign was a copycat of the 'Don't mess with Texas' campaign are baseless, said Chief Minister Idris Haron.
 
He said they had contacted authorities in Texas, United States of America, and received a positive response regarding the ‘Don't mess with Malacca’ 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 Malacca," he told Bernama today.

The 'Don't Mess With Malacca' campaign was launched by Idris in May last year to promote a clean environment in Malacca, 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 percent 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.

- Bernama