KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is hosting its annual Environmental Day celebration today, with a renewed message of sustainability and unity under the theme ‘Trust the Hope’.
The event, which is running from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Dewan Masyarakat MBKS, was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and features a wide range of eco-conscious programmes aimed at engaging the community in environmental stewardship.
MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said this year’s theme is more than a slogan as it represents a mindset shift in how society approaches waste and sustainability.
“It is about cultivating a mindset shift, from seeing waste as a problem to recognising its potential as a solution,” he said during a press conference held at the MBKS building on Friday.
Wee shared that one of the event’s highlights is the Program Bank Sampah (Waste Bank Programme), which features a collection drive for e-waste, used cooking oil and recyclable items under the MBKS Buy Back Programme.
“This initiative encourages responsible disposal and recycling practices at the community level, contributing to a cleaner, healthier Kuching,” he said.
Another key attraction is the Kuching Natural Farmer Market, held at the MBKS Old Wing.
It brings together 31 stalls offering farm-fresh produce, handmade natural goods, and eco-friendly products.
In addition, MBKS is collaborating with Kuching Food Aid to run a Food Aid Donation Drive, encouraging the public to contribute non-perishable food items and basic necessities for underprivileged communities.
A new feature of this year’s Environmental Day is the participation of Persatuan Soka Gakkai Cawangan Sarawak, which promotes its biennial ‘Run for Peace’ initiative.
According to Wee, the group’s involvement is particularly special this year as they will be introducing the concept of eco bricks, a creative and sustainable method of repurposing plastic waste.
To mark the occasion, the group will also construct a large-scale sculpture measuring 8 feet by 22 feet entirely from eco bricks.
The completed artwork will be displayed prominently at MBKS, symbolising the transformation of waste into something meaningful and impactful.
Adding colour and creativity to the day is the much-anticipated ‘Eco Glam Fashion Face-Off’, where kindergarten and primary school students will showcase upcycled outfits made from recyclable materials.
Organised by the MBKS Child Council under the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), the competition aims to nurture children’s creativity and environmental awareness.
It features two age categories: children aged 4 to 6, and those aged 7 to 12.
Participants in both categories stand a chance to win attractive prizes that reward creativity and environmental consciousness.
The first prize winner in each category will receive RM300 and a certificate, while the second prize winner will be awarded RM200 and a certificate.
The third prize comes with RM100 and a certificate.
In addition, five consolation prizes worth RM50 each, along with certificates, will be given out in each category to recognise outstanding effort and participation.
“We hope this inspires our young participants to see waste not as rubbish but as a resource, something they can transform into something beautiful and meaningful,” Wee said.
