More than a ton of plastic waste and other solid waste was collected in two hours.
KUCHING (July 13): Plastic waste is a silent threat, with over 400 million tonnes generated globally each year, leading to various issues such as environmental pollution and adverse impacts on human health.
In response, international volunteer group ASEZ held its Plastic-Free 2040 Campaign and a cleanup activity at the grounds of Metrocity Square here today.
The event saw the participation of around 300 students from three local higher learning institutions namely Sidma College Sarawak, Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs), and Yahos School of Skills.
In just two hours, from 8am to 10am, the participants successfully collected 1,253.21kg of plastic waste and other solid waste, which was disposed of professionally with the assistance of waste management company Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.
ASEZ Sarawak manager Steven Kwon explained that the programme was part of the global initiative of ASEZ, which is an international student volunteer movement from over 175 countries dedicated to environmental protection through education, volunteerism, and community cooperation.
“The Plastic-Free 2040 Campaign is one of ASEZ’s core programmes worldwide.
“Our goal is to help communities reduce their dependence on plastic and to educate them about waste segregation and recycling habits,” he said when met during the programme.
According to him, in addition to collecting waste, participants were also taught how to properly segregate plastics, paper, and other waste materials, which is an important step in changing public attitudes towards daily waste management.
John presents a certificate to a representative of the participants while Kwon (left) looks on.
“We believe youth are the catalyst for change. By demonstrating proper waste disposal, initiating recycling habits, and fostering a sense of responsibility for their surroundings, we are building a more sustainable future,” said Kwon, who is originally from South Korea and currently based in Malaysia as a full-time volunteer.
The programme also received full support from the Department of Environment (DOE) Sarawak, which described the collaboration between higher education institutions and international organisations as exemplary.
“For us, this activity proves that awareness of plastic pollution is no longer just rhetoric.
“It is now being translated into concrete action by the younger generation,” said DOE Sarawak director John Rampai.
He noted that student involvement represents a long-term investment in environmental sustainability, as they will one day become leaders and policymakers.
Participants collect plastic waste and other rubbish to be disposed of professionally.
He also said that the efforts demonstrated by ASEZ and its partners were in line with the 2024 World Environment Day theme, Beat Plastic Pollution.
“We deeply appreciate this initiative and hope it becomes a model for other institutions.
“Plastic waste not only pollutes land and water but also kills marine life and ultimately affects human health,” he said.
John explained that plastic is a material that is difficult to decompose and can remain in the ecosystem for hundreds of years.
“A clear example is fish with damaged gills, turtles pierced by plastic straws, or those that swallow plastic bags mistaking them for jellyfish. Microplastics are now even found in the human food chain,” he said.
Participants in a group photo before the clean-up activity.
He said DOE has already taken steps to reduce single-use plastics and is running awareness campaigns with both industry players and communities.
For the organisers, collecting over a tonne of waste in a short time is a major achievement, but more importantly, it marks the beginning of a shift in attitudes.
“We can’t expect drastic changes overnight. But with continuous education and grassroots community involvement, we can achieve zero plastic by 2040,” Kwon added.
He also expressed gratitude to Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Metrocity, Trienekens, and all participating institutions for their support in what he described as the beginning of more future collaborations.
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