Kota Kinabalu Schools Collect Over Two Tonnes of Used Cooking Oil for Green Energy

27 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: More than 2,000 kilogrammes of used cooking oil (UCO) were successfully collected through the Used Cooking Oil Collection Competition involving 13 schools across Kota Kinabalu.

The competition was part of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities’ (KPK) efforts to foster civic awareness and sustainable practices among students regarding the proper management of used cooking oil and its potential as a raw material for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

At the closing ceremony held at Horizon Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, presented prizes to the winning schools.

In the primary school category, SJKC Chung Hwa Likas emerged champion with a collection of 420 kilogrammes, followed by SK St. Francis Convent as first runner-up with 192 kilogrammes, and SK Kepayan in third place with 170.85 kilogrammes. For the secondary school category, SMK SANZAC claimed the top spot with 392.5 kilogrammes, while SM Tshung Tsin and SMJK Shan Tao shared the runner-up position with 113.5 kilogrammes each.

The achievement reflects a high level of environmental awareness among students and school communities regarding the importance of managing used cooking oil responsibly. Active participation from students, teachers and parents played a crucial role in the programme’s success.

In his speech, Chan expressed his appreciation to all participating schools, as well as the key implementing partners — Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and JCI Kota Kinabalu, for their commitment and collaboration in making the inaugural initiative a success in Sabah.

“The success of collecting over 2,000 kilogrammes of used cooking oil in just two months proves that environmental education and awareness at the school level can have a major impact on the community. This is not merely a recycling activity but a shared commitment to supporting the nation’s transition towards sustainable energy,” he said.

He added that used cooking oil now holds growing economic value, particularly as a key feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), in line with the National Agri-Commodity Policy 2030 (DAKN2030) which emphasises the development of high value-added and low-carbon agri-commodities.

According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), total UCO collection in Sabah in 2024 was around 5,200 tonnes — less than 1.5 per cent of Malaysia’s overall total of 380,000 tonnes during the same period. Initiatives such as this competition are therefore expected to serve as catalysts for increasing UCO collection rates in Sabah.

Chan also called on more stakeholders, including other schools, non-governmental organisations and local communities, to take part in the initiative for better UCO management. He said this effort not only generates additional income for households but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.

“Interested schools may contact my office for coordination with DBKK and licensed UCO collection vendors such as Arus Oil to ensure proper and safe collection processes. Programmes like this prove that small actions at the community level can make a big difference to the nation’s sustainable energy future. Let us strengthen the culture of recycling for the well-being of the people and the sustainability of our planet,” he added.

Also present were Leong Tze Fui, Director of the Solid Waste Management Department of DBKK; Datuk Dr Ramle Hj Kasin, Director-General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM); and Amran Arifin, MPOB Sabah Zone Coordinator.