As Kuching South confronts the growing challenge of food waste, local authorities are pioneering practical, community-led solutions – from home composting workshops to high-speed composting in markets. In this final part of our four-part series, we delve into how the Kuching South City Council is cultivating a culture of sustainability, one compost pile and one household at a time.
A Greener Kuching, One Household at a Time
THE scent of fresh produce and freshly cooked meals wafts through the air, filling the markets and eateries with a comforting aroma. But behind the scenes, a different reality unfolds: uneaten food and organic scraps quietly make their way to landfills, contributing to environmental strain and resource wastage.
Determined to change this, the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has launched a series of innovative, community-based efforts to manage food waste at its source. From encouraging home composting to introducing high-speed composting technology in markets, MBKS is not only diverting waste from landfills but also cultivating a culture of sustainability.
“The management of food waste is a critical component of Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
“As the volume of food waste continues to be a major contributor to landfill burden in Sarawak, MBKS has proactively implemented a range of structured programmes and initiatives to address this issue effectively, engaging households, businesses and the wider community.”
To him, reducing food waste helps minimise the burden on landfills, mitigate methane emissions, and support broader climate action efforts.
“Food waste is also one of the most controllable types of waste, particularly at the household level. By managing food waste effectively, we not only preserve valuable resources but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations,” he added.
With a mix of traditional composting techniques and modern pilot projects, Kuching South is setting a benchmark for urban waste management in Sarawak – one compost pile at a time. Disclosing the systems currently in place for collecting and managing food waste, he shared the following:
● Takakura Home Method Composting
MBKS actively promotes the Takakura Home Method Composting system as an effective solution for managing household food waste. The Takakura method is designed to be simple, fast and low-cost, requiring no technical skills and utilising locally available materials. It produces compost efficiently without generating foul odours and can be applied even in limited spaces, making it ideal for residential settings.



Since 2021, MBKS has organised more than 35 workshops for Kuching South residents, providing hands-on training and raising awareness about this method. Post-workshop surveys show a significant increase in community engagement, with the percentage of residents aware of or actively using the Takakura method rising from 35 per cent in 2021 to 75 per cent in 2024. To extend the programme’s outreach, MBKS has partnered with institutions such as IPG and other environmental agencies, enhancing public access to composting knowledge and skills.
● Food Waste Recycling / Organic Waste Collection Pilot Project
MBKS launched a pilot Food Waste Recycling and Organic Waste Collection project in the King Centre commercial area, involving 18 food premises. This initiative was implemented in collaboration with Fly Technology Agriculture Sdn Bhd (Worming Up), which specialises in the use of Black Soldier Fly larvae for organic waste composting. Under this project, food waste was collected twice weekly – on Mondays and Fridays – and transported for composting.
Over a two-year period, the project successfully collected 100.33 tonnes of organic waste and produced 10.02 tonnes of coarse-mixed compost. Although the project demonstrated promising results, it was discontinued due to challenges related to long-term financial sustainability.
● Bio-Mate High-Speed Composting at Markets
Recognising the substantial volume of food waste generated by markets, MBKS introduced Bio-Mate High-Speed Composting at both Stutong and Petanak Markets. These two major markets collectively house over 850 stallholders.



Two Bio-Mate composting units, each capable of processing 125 kilogrammes of organic waste per day, were installed at the Stutong Recycling Centre, later renamed the Stutong Green Centre.
A similar facility was established at Petanak Market, now known as the Petanak Green Centre.
These centres provide a long-term solution for recycling market-generated organic waste into compost, which is subsequently packaged in 1 kilogramme and 5 kilogramme bags and made available for sale to interested parties. This initiative not only reduces landfill dependency but also supports the Council’s landscaping activities through the reuse of organic fertilisers.
The Road to Sustainability in Kuching South
At MBKS, the Council actively engages with businesses through targeted pilot programmes, structured outreach, and awareness campaigns to promote responsible food waste management.
“By providing structured recycling solutions, facilitating partnerships with composting service providers, and demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of proper waste segregation, MBKS encourages businesses to adopt sustainable waste disposal practices,” said Wee.
Furthermore, regular communication and collaboration with business owners are key to fostering long-term behavioural change within the commercial sector, he added.
However, MBKS’s efforts to create a sustainable ecosystem in the area are not without challenges. He highlighted several ongoing issues in food waste management, such as:
Public awareness and behaviour change – sustaining long-term changes among residents and businesses remains difficult.
Financial sustainability – certain pilot projects face cost-recovery and operational sustainability hurdles.
Operational constraints – logistics and manpower requirements for specialised waste collection and composting.
“To address these issues, MBKS emphasises continuous public education, the strengthening of multi-stakeholder collaborations, the adoption of innovative technologies such as high-speed composting, and a strategic focus on scalable and cost-effective solutions. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, MBKS aims to create an enduring culture of environmental consciousness within the community.”
A Broader Green Vision
Committed to ensuring a sustainable ecosystem in which the environment is well protected and preserved, MBKS has also initiated a range of environmental sustainability programmes, including:
Bank Sampah (Waste Bank Programme) – promoting recycling through an incentivised system;
iBuyBack App – a digital platform facilitating buy-back recycling transactions;
Earth Hour and Kuching Car-Free Day – city-wide campaigns promoting reduced energy consumption and sustainable mobility;
Electronic and Electrical Waste Collection Campaign (Kempen BEE) – promoting safe disposal of electronic waste;
Zero Use of Plastic Straws and Styrofoam Food/Drink Containers – enforced across markets and hawker centres;
Festive season spring-cleaning campaigns – encouraging responsible waste disposal;
Tree planting activities – enhancing urban green spaces and promoting biodiversity; and
Recycling programmes for high-rise residential buildings
Most recently, MBKS announced plans to roll out biodegradable plastic bags as part of the war against plastic pollution. Wee stated during a press conference that the Council would introduce biodegradable bags developed by a UK-based company. These bags are designed to mimic traditional plastic but decompose fully within two years without leaving harmful microplastics behind.
A Time for Reflection
Sharing a Chinese proverb – qián rén zāi shù, hòu rén chéng liáng (前人栽树,后人乘凉) – which translates to “One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade”, Wee reminded the public of the importance of honouring the efforts of past generations.
“Only by appreciating what has been given can we ensure the continuity of these blessings,” he said.
As MBKS and its mayor confront the challenges of food waste and disposal in their efforts to create an environmentally friendly city, the Council continues to adopt a comprehensive approach to building a resilient, sustainable and liveable Kuching South. This is particularly important as it reduces the city’s environmental footprint while laying the groundwork for a greener future – one compost pile, one household, and one initiative at a time.
Not to forget the researchers experimenting with new food waste solutions, and the cooks at home and in businesses managing waste responsibly – each stakeholder plays a vital role in protecting and preserving the home we all share.


