MPP and Trienekens Drive Environmental Awareness Through School Recycling Initiative
MPP Chairman Tan Kai and Trienekens Deputy Group CEO Elvin Wee taking a group photo with the students and teachers at the end of the session.
KUCHING – The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. recently concluded the Solid Waste Segregation and Recycling Education Programme with a joint prize-giving ceremony, marking another milestone in their longstanding collaboration to foster environmental consciousness among school students.
Since its inception in 2012, the programme has reached out to several primary and secondary schools within MPP’s jurisdiction, aiming to instill environmental education and promote real-life waste segregation and recycling practices. Through hands-on learning, students are equipped with the necessary knowledge, values, and skills to manage waste responsibly.
This year, the initiative gained meaningful support from Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (DLMI), the appointed milk supplier under the Ministry of Education’s School Milk Programme. Beyond its role in providing nutritious milk, DLMI partnered with MPP and Trienekens to instil environmental responsibility among schoolchildren by promoting the recycling of milk packs.
In his speech, MPP Chairman Tan Kai highlighted the importance of cultivating environmental stewardship early in life. “This programme not only focuses on educating students about recycling but also aims to nurture positive attitudes and responsible behaviours in managing waste effectively. By instilling environmental responsibility at a young age, we are building a strong foundation for a cleaner and greener community. Through collaboration with schools and the continued support of Trienekens and DLMI, we are able to drive this meaningful effort forward,” said Tan Kai.
Trienekens Group CEO Stephen Chin commended the students, teachers, and partners for their enthusiasm and dedication.
“By instilling the right habits early, we help young people see that sustainability begins with simple, everyday actions like separating waste at source, recycling and even, managing our daily consumption responsibly to minimise wasting our precious resources. We are also proud to collaborate with MPP and, for the first time this year, with DLMI, to continue inspiring and engaging our young generations to become future environmental stewards,” said Chin.
This year’s programme saw two major competitions — the Inter-School Best Recycling Centre and the Inter-School Most Collected Recycled Milk Pack by Dutch Lady — being organised to encourage students to take active roles in waste segregation and recycling.
Throughout the year, students also engaged in other variety of fun and educational activities, including colouring contests, inter-class recyclable collection competitions, the “Make Me New” textile upcycling challenge, and the “Amazing Green Race.”
The closing and prize presentation ceremony celebrated the efforts of participating schools. SJK Chung Hua Pangkalan Baru emerged as the champion in both the Inter-School Best Recycling Centre and the Inter-School Most Collected Recycled Milk Pack by Dutch Lady competitions, taking home cash prizes and trophies, while SJK Chung Hua Stapok secured second place and SK St. Augustine Mambong placed third. Other participating schools included SK Matang Jaya, SK Taba Sait, SK St. Francis Xavier, SK Garland, SJK Chung Hua Batu 4 1/2, SM Sains Kuching, and SMK Matang Hilir, with students proudly receiving prizes and certificates in recognition of their achievements.
Present at the event as well was Assistant District Education Officer, Student Development Sector, Padawan District Education Office (PPD), Puan Dyg Hadzlina Quintan binti Abang Shokeran, DLMI Corporate Affairs Director, Ezmir Hazizi bin Azhar and other MPP council members.
SJK Chung Hua Pangkalan Baru Headmaster, Pui Poh Chong receiving their cash prize and trophy in the Inter-School Best Recycling Centre Competition from Trienekens Deputy Group CEO Elvin Wee witnessed by Tan Kai.
SJK Chung Hua Pangkalan Baru Headmaster, Pui Poh Chong receiving their cash prize and trophy in the Inter-School Most Collected Recycled Milk Pack by Dutch Lady from DLMI Corporate Affairs Director, Ezmir Hazizi bin Azhar.