KUCHING: More than 50 volunteers collected 1,500kg waste during a river cleanup programme at Batu Kawah Riverbank Park on Sunday (Jun 14).
The activity was organised by ASEZ, an international university student volunteer group under the World Mission Society Church of God, as part of its 2026 Global Blue Carbon Ecosystem Protection Initiative.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the i-CATS University College Environmental Club (ASCATS).
According to a statement, volunteers comprising ASEZ members, their families and friends took part in the cleanup and an environmental awareness campaign.
The activity took place at Batu Kawah Riverbank Park along the Sarawak River.
“Blue carbon, the theme of the activity, refers to the carbon captured and stored by coastal and oceanic ecosystems, such as salt marshes and mangrove forests.
“To protect these ecosystems, ASEZ collects plastic waste across all areas from inland to ocean, including campuses, rivers and coastlines, in addition to carrying out activities to raise public environmental awareness,” it said.
During the programme, volunteers collected various types of waste, including plastic bottles, straws, plastic bags and polystyrene.
Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) supported the programme by providing rubbish bags and assisting with waste transportation.
MPP chairman Tan Kai attended the certificate presentation and photo session.
ASEZ said it has been carrying out environmental conservation activities in Malaysia and other countries through tree planting, plastic waste collection and public awareness campaigns.
In Sarawak and Sabah, the group has planted 500 trees and organised the Zero Plastic 2040 campaign to promote environmental protection.
