MPP & Trienekens Launch Recycling Programme at SK Taba Sait

KUCHING – A joint education taskforce committee comprising of Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) recently launched a solid waste education and recycling awareness programme with SK Taba Sait.

RECYCLING SCHOOL…MPP Deputy Chairman Dato Ahmad Ibrahim (centre) presenting the recycling poster and bins to SK Taba Sait headmaster Jameson Simod (right) while Trienekens Division Manager for Environment R&D, Dayang Sherrynazra (left) and others look on.

SK Taba Sait is one of several schools under the Council’s jurisdiction to adopt Trienekens’ recycling programme due its on-going commitment towards becoming a green school. The project engages both students and staff to practice segregating their school waste from the point-of-generation.

MPP Deputy Chairman Dato Ahmad Ibrahim, who officiated the programme said that MPP is aware that the solid waste and environmental management is nothing new, but it is the main agenda for MPP to raise public awareness on the matter and the responsibility as members of the community to look after the environment together.

“The practice of recycling and maintaining cleanliness of our living area should start from our own, and we must educate and nurture our children to do the same at home and in school,” said Dato Ahmad. “It must not be for profit only; it must be driven by the will and preserving nature.”

Trienekens’ Division Manager for Environment R&D, Dayang Sherrynazra binti Awang Sharkawi explained that the programme was introduced to educate pupils about the 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) concept and best practices in solid waste management. Since the start of the programme, the school with a population of 75 students has successfully collected about 52kg of recyclables.

“One of the most common problems we encounter as a service provider are due to ignorance and indifferent attitude towards cleanliness and proper waste disposal,” said Dayang. “Therefore, we want to play a part in educating the future generation about recycling, waste management and environmental impacts. Over time, we hope that recycling can become a part of our lifestyle towards sustainable, clean and healthy living,” added Dayang.

Headmaster Jameson Simod also concurred that the programme was beneficial for his students because it provided them with the opportunity to learn and experience segregating waste first hand from within their classrooms. He thanked MPP and Trienekens for their collaboration and support throughout the implementation of the programme.

In addition to the waste separation practices and scheduled collection of recyclables, Trienekens also organised additional environment-themed educational activities such as an awareness talk, Amazing Green Race game, inter-class most collected recyclables contest, colouring, poster design and eco-fashion competitions as well as other green initiatives for the school.

At the event, Deputy Chairman Dato’ Ahmad and Dayang handed over recycling education posters and recycling bins to the school. Winners of the competitions also took home some exciting prizes.

Present at the event were MPP’s Joint Taskforce for Solid Waste Education & Recycling Awareness Committee Chairman, Cr. Jimmy Chen; MPP Acting Division Head for Public Health & Town Services, Francis Liu and MPP Officer Paul Aning and other councillors.