KUCHING: A new recycling initiative here aims to raise public awareness on sustainable living by encouraging residents to recycle used items, including cooking oil, paper and metal.
This initiative is a collaboration between Timuran Kembangan Sdn. Bhd. and the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
Joseph Ting Su Ho, the organising chairperson for the pilot programme, explained that the initiative, which began in select residential areas, encourages both residents and the public to participate in sorting and recycling various materials, including used cooking oil, paper, and metal.
“The programme, organised by MBKS in collaboration with Atas Sepakat, aims to educate Kuching’s population about the value of recycling and how it can help protect the environment.
“Our goal is to start in apartment complexes and gradually expand to schools, villages, and beyond,” said Ting recently.
He hopes this initiative will spread across Sarawak and, eventually, the entire country.
One of the key objectives of the programme, Ting said, is to show that recycling goes beyond everyday items, with used cooking oil being a prime example.
“Many people think recycling cooking oil is just for business purposes, but it’s much more than that.
“It helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and even create reusable products like soap or grease,” he explained.
The initiative also highlights the economic benefits of recycling.
Ting pointed out that collected materials are sorted and packed into specific categories before being sold to buyers.
“Used cooking oil, for example, is filtered to remove solid particles and then resold to companies that repurpose it.
“Paper and metal products are similarly sold based on weight, with cooking oil currently priced at RM2.90 per kilogramme,” he said.
Additionally, Ting mentioned that through its partnership with MBKS, the programme allows participants to receive direct payment for their recyclable items.
“In addition to the environmental benefits, recycling is expected to save up to 60 per cent of the cost needed to produce new raw materials, making it a cost-effective long-term solution for sustainable living.
“As the programme grows, organisers hope it will inspire more people to engage in recycling and help build a cleaner, greener future for Kuching, Sarawak, and beyond, ” said Ting.
