KUCHING: The establishment of Environmental Lovers Clubs (PALS) in Sarawak continues to show encouraging growth, with a total of 586 clubs formed statewide as of May 2025.
According to Controller of Environmental Quality, Datuk Jack Liam, this development is in line with the Sarawak government’s target to ensure that every school in the state establishes a PALS Club as part of efforts to strengthen environmental awareness and education among students.
“In fact, in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) last year, PALS made history when it was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) as the Largest Environmental Club Network in Malaysia, with a total of 487 clubs.
“This recognition is a testament to NREB’s commitment to fostering environmental awareness starting at the school level,” he said during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Sarawak PALS Club Teacher Advisor Education Workshop held here today.
The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Commenting on financial support, he said the Sarawak government, through NREB, provides two types of special funds to support the continuity of PALS Clubs: RM2,000 for club establishment in schools and additional funding for the implementation of annual programmes.
However, the additional funding is not granted automatically but is considered based on the quality of the proposal paper submitted by the respective school.
“Interestingly, for selected schools in Miri Division, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting has also pledged to contribute RM1,000 to each PALS Club in support of this initiative,” Jack said.
He further stressed that for clubs to function effectively, each PALS Club requires an advisor who is knowledgeable and skilled in managing and implementing related activities.
As such, he explained, this workshop was organised specifically to help teachers strengthen their club management skills and develop effective approaches to implementing programmes at the school level.
“Networking among teachers, and between teachers and NREB, is also vital so that we can exchange ideas and share experiences in delivering more effective environmental education programmes,” he said.
He also informed that NREB will continue to share updated information with teacher advisors, including opportunities to apply for relevant funding to ensure the sustainability of PALS Club activities.
A total of 108 PALS Club teacher advisors from across Sarawak participated in this special workshop, aimed at enhancing environmental education knowledge, skills, and networks in their respective schools.
The workshop also provided insights into the functions and organisational structure of PALS Clubs, the use of interactive environmental education modules, and the formation of strategic networks between NREB, schools and corporate partners towards establishing sustainable schools.
