KUCHING: Schools in southern Sarawak collected 484,792 kilogrammes of recyclable materials this year, a 43 per cent increase compared to 2024, reflecting growing environmental awareness among students and educators.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian said that participation also rose significantly, with 139 schools involved this year compared to only 90 schools last year.
He said the increase showed that school-based recycling initiatives were beginning to make a tangible impact by reducing waste sent to landfills and lowering public expenditure on waste management.
“Almost 500,000 kilogrammes of waste were diverted from landfills. That is money saved, fuel saved and fewer lorries on the road,” he said at the Prize-Giving Ceremony for the School-Level Recycling Competition (Southern Zone) 2025 at PUSTAKA Negeri Sarawak on Friday.
Dr Sim noted that Sarawak generated about 839,000 tonnes of waste last year, underscoring the urgency in reducing reliance on landfills through education, recycling and behavioural change.
He stressed schools play a critical role in shaping long-term environmental behaviour, stressing that sustainability efforts must focus on instilling values, discipline and responsibility among young people rather than short-term campaigns.
“Environmental sustainability is about giving you and me a chance to live better. It is about values, respect and being smart in how we treat the place we live in,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, acknowledged that Sarawak continues to face challenges such as illegal dumping, improper waste disposal and open burning despite growing awareness.
“Initiatives like school recycling competitions are essential in addressing these issues by educating students early and encouraging responsible habits that extend to families and communities,” he said.
Dr Sim also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies, local councils, schools and industry partners in strengthening waste management practices across the state.
In congratulating the winning schools, Dr Sim encouraged organisers to expand the competition to northern Sarawak, including Miri, with the long-term aim of elevating it to a national-level initiative.
