KUCHING: SK Siburan Batu recently concluded the fourth year of its solid waste segregation and recycling programme with a prize presentation session organised jointly by Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and the Serian District Council (SDC).
The programme’s objectives were to introduce the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) concept and inculcate the habit and practice of separating solid waste at source amongst the primary school students.
In his speech, SDC Chairman Lim Hock Meng lauded the school and Trienekens for organising the programme as it helps to promote cleanliness through the 3R concept and encouraged the community to play an active role in keeping the environment healthy and clean.
“The community’s cooperation can help ease our burden and allow us to focus on improving other development programmes as well. “We urge the students to spread the awareness and motivate their parents and family members to start segregating and recycling their daily waste as well as refrain from dumping their waste indiscriminately,” he said.
Trienekens’ Division Manager for Environment Research & Development (R&D), Dayang Sherrynazra bt Awang Sharkawi said the programme was part of the company’s CSR initiative to raise better awareness about recycling, litter prevention and proper management of solid waste.
“The teachers and students have played a significant role in making the programme a success over the years. “The desire to recycle should not stem solely from monetary gain but it should be triggered by the urgent need to sustain our precious natural resources and improve the way we manage our waste in the best possible way without harming the environment.
We hope that the programme can continue to create greater awareness and improve recycling practices in the school,” she said. Dayang also thanked SDC for their support and cooperation in the programme adding that collaboration between the private sector and local authorities in environmental programmes is much valued and welcomed as it can help raise public awareness on the importance of preserving the environment effectively and maintaining the healthy well-being of the community through proper and responsible management of solid waste.
This year, the school successfully separated and recycled almost 2,000kgs of solid waste. In addition to the inter-class recycling competition, the students also took part in other environment- themed educational activities such as awareness talks, colouring competition and poster drawing competition. All the contest winners took home exciting prizes.
Also present at the event were Acting Council Secretary, Rafidah Haji Hifni, headmaster of SK Siburan Batu, Vinu ak Batu and Senior Assistant (Students’ Affairs), Ilbaes ak Edem.
