EVERY Cleanup Day tells a story — of rubbish collected, friendships forged, and lessons learned about living more sustainably.
Few know this better than Mark Liao, president of Sarawak Eco Warriors, the youth-led organisation that since 2017 has inspired students and young professionals to take real action for the environment.
From community clean-ups to tree planting and education, their work goes beyond litter-picking to build lasting habits.
As the world gears up for another Cleanup Day, Liao shares his light-hearted reflections on his most memorable clean-up moments, eco-favourites and what keeps him going in the hot Sarawak sun.
What’s the strangest item you’ve ever picked up during a clean-up?
A whale bone! None of us expected to find something like that. It was a reminder of just how surprising nature can be, and instead of simply putting it aside, we decided to use it for our nature education sessions. It became a way to spark curiosity and conversations about the environment.
If Kuching had a “mascot” for Cleanup Day, what would it be?
I would choose a mudskipper. It might not be the cutest animal, but it’s hardy, adaptable and a real symbol of Sarawak’s mangroves. I think it reflects the resilience needed to keep our city clean.
Before heading out for a clean-up, coffee or tea?
Definitely tea. Clean-ups can be long and hot, so I prefer something lighter and refreshing to keep me going.
Which spot in Kuching do you secretly wish people would keep clean the most?
Honestly, I’d say our neighbourhoods. Parks and rivers often get attention, but it’s the small corners of our residential areas — drains, back lanes, the side of the road — that collect a lot of unsuspecting litter. People may not notice it at first, but when it rains, all that rubbish ends up in our waterways.
What’s your go-to snack or drink after a clean-up session?
Pineapple juice. After hours in the sun, it’s the perfect refresher — tropical vibes in a tropical place!
If you could invite any famous person to join Cleanup Day, who would it be?
Instead of a famous figure, I’d rather invite all my friends. For me, it’s not about the spotlight but about having people I care about working alongside me. Clean-ups are so much more fun and meaningful when you share the experience with friends.
Gloves, tongs, or bare hands — what’s your style for picking up rubbish?
Bare hands! Of course, we still take precautions when needed, but I feel more connected to the work when I’m directly involved. It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done.
What’s the most unforgettable or funny moment you’ve experienced during a clean-up?
The most unforgettable was after a big storm. The amount of trash that washed up was overwhelming. We only had 17 volunteers that day, but together we managed to collect 700 kilogrammes of rubbish. It was exhausting but also one of those moments that proved how much impact a small, determined group of people can have.
If you weren’t leading clean-ups, what other “eco mission” would you dive into?
I really enjoy community building. I’d probably focus on youth leadership programmes, because I believe empowering young people is key. If they’re inspired and confident, they’ll carry that forward into every part of their lives, including caring for the environment.
One word to describe how you feel at the end of every clean-up?
Exhausted. The heat in Sarawak is no joke, and after a few hours of collecting rubbish, you definitely feel it. But even though I’m drained, I also feel proud knowing we’ve made a visible difference.
