KUCHING: Forty-eight schools in the southern zone of Sarawak have collectively gathered an impressive 211,454.09kg of recyclable materials under the School Recycling Campaign 2024.
Permanent Secretary of the Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Ministry, Datuk Elizabeth Loh, said the amount made a significant contribution to the campaign’s overall total of 337,878.72kg of recyclable materials.
“I am also proud to highlight that the 2024 campaign achieved an 18.51 per cent increase in recycling rates compared to last year.
“This demonstrates the growing awareness and commitment among students, educators, and the wider school communities toward environmental stewardship,” she said in her speech, representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the Prize Giving Ceremony for the School Recycling Campaign 2024, Southern Zone, at Pustaka Negeri here yesterday (Jan 17).
Speaking further on the campaign, Loh said that the objectives driving the meaningful initiative include enhancing students’ knowledge about the importance of recycling, with a focus on the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — cultivating and sustaining the spirit and practice of recycling, not just among students but also within the broader community, instilling continuous positive behavioural change in students, particularly in their approach to recycling and environmental conservation, and responding to the government’s call to collectively raise public awareness about the importance of recycling practices.
“These objectives align with Sarawak’s broader vision of fostering an environmentally conscious society while contributing to global sustainability goals,” she added.
Likewise, Loh then stressed that the collaboration of local councils, the Sarawak State Education Department, and other stakeholders has been invaluable in enabling the participation and success of schools in this campaign.
“This synergy is a testament to how collective action can create meaningful change,” she said.
She also urged local authorities to continue promoting low-carbon initiatives and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in their communities.
“Let us make the 3R philosophy — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — not just a slogan but a way of life,” she added.
Also present during the ceremony were Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) Chairman Datuk Peter Minos, Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) Chairman Tan Kai, and other distinguished guests.
