The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) has lauded the move by British rock band Coldplay to sponsor a watercraft for the clean-up of Malaysian rivers, but called on more local champions to educate the public in preventing rubbish from entering the river systems.

MNS president Ahmad Ismail said such a gesture may be part of education or developing volunteerism but long-term volunteering, awareness and practice are needed to tackle plastic pollution.

"We have been talking a lot but we are just listening or watching and we need more actions...