KUCHING: The Librarians Association of Malaysia (PPM), in partnership with Sekitar Kita, launched the Borneo Adventures: Citizen Science in Action programme on Monday (Jan13).
Supported by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the programme brings together organisations such as Universiti Malaya Sustainable Development Centre (UMSDC), American Corners Malaysia, Sarawak State Library, Sabah State Library, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Teknologi Mara Pahang Library, and the PPM Sabah and Sarawak Group.
The initiative positions libraries as vital hubs for community engagement and citizen science, bridging scientific research and local participation.
“Citizen science is a dynamic and transformative approach that empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to scientific research,”said Special Administrative Officer from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Dr Rashidah Bolhassan in her speech read by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Head of Corporate Sector Laurena Aloh.
“By participating in data collection, monitoring, and analysis, citizens become key agents of change in addressing pressing environmental challenges. Through this programme, we aim to cultivate a sense of shared responsibility and provide practical knowledge that empowers everyone to play a role in safeguarding our environment,”he said.
The programme will run in Sarawak at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak’s Kuching, Sibu, and Miri branches.
Over two days at each location, starting Jan 13, participants will engage in workshops and fieldwork, focusing on biodiversity documentation and water quality testing with tools like iNaturalist and water testing kits.
The programme is open to secondary school students, researchers, librarians, university students, and the public aged 18 and above.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to community engagement and environmental awareness. With support from the US Embassy, we hope to inspire participants to preserve our natural heritage and adopt sustainable practices for future generations,”said PPM president, Dr. Ghazali Mohamed Fadzil.
Participants will also explore sites like Kubah National Park, Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, and Piasau Nature Reserve, where they will apply citizen science methods.
Following the Sarawak segment, the programme will expand to Sabah in February with the same mission: to promote citizen science and environmental stewardship in local communities.
