Recycling Awareness Programme by MPP & Trienekens at SainsKu Enters 2nd Year

KUCHING: The secondary school level solid waste segregation programme introduced by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd at SM Sains Kuching (SainsKu) marked its second year of implementation since its launching in 2014.

TREES FOR THE FUTURE…SM Sains Kuching students and teachers taking a group picture with MPP Chairman Cr. Lo Khere Chiang (pictured middle) after a tree planting session at the school compound. Present as well were SM Sains Kuching’s Principal, Bahtiar Affandi (standing 5th right), Trienekens’ Department Manager (CSR), Janet J. Balong (7th left) and MPP Public Health Officer, Harun Kip (8th left).

“Since the programme started, students and teachers of SM Sains Kuching have shown exemplary attitudes and efforts in preserving the environment,” said MPP Chairman, Cr. Lo Khere Chiang at a tree planting session held at the school recently. “The school is not only one of the cleanest I’ve seen, but its disciplinary and commitment level is also commendable. These are clearly important values that can help boost the green initiatives by the school. Students are now more aware that most of the wastes we throw away everyday are recyclable or reuseable while the natural resources can be better sustained. I would like to encourage the students and teachers to continue on with the good work,” he said.

Trienekens also gave a talk to the students at the event, highlighting the importance of preserving the environment through proper management and disposal of solid waste while embracing the habit of recycling as a way of life to maintain environmental sustainability. About 200 students and teachers attended the talk.

“This educational project provides an opportunity to the students to demonstrate their commitment towards environmental preservation and sustainability,” explained Trienekens’ General Manager, Business Development, Elvin Wee. “We are always keen to work together with schools, in this case with SM Sains Kuching; combining our ideas and knowledge with the aim to educate the younger generation about recycling, waste management and environmental protection,” he said.

In line with the school’s own “Go Green” project run by its French Club, Students’ Leaders Board, English Language Club and Interact Club, the pilot project focuses on motivating and empowering the students to discard their waste by separating them from the point of generation, starting from inside their classrooms and school compounds. The students also learn to prepare their own recycling bins or boxes to keep the different types of recyclables. Following from the talk, Trienekens will also organise several other educational activities such as scheduled collection, inter-class collection competition, workshops, seminars, and others related to solid waste management and recycling with the school.

The solid waste segregation programme is part of Trienekens’ on-going CSR mission and efforts to educate and instil environmental awareness among school students and the general public.