Recycling for posterity

3 October 2025

KOTA BELUD: In essence, recycling is more than just a way to manage waste; it is a vital practice that contributes to environmental preservation, resource conservation, energy efficiency, and economic development. Embracing recycling at individual, community, and national levels can significantly impact efforts to protect the planet for generations to come.

Beyond environmental benefits, recycling also presents economic opportunities. It fosters the growth of green industries, creates jobs, and can lead to cost savings for communities and businesses alike. Moreover, by promoting sustainable practices, recycling encourages responsible consumption and waste management, supporting the broader goal of creating a more sustainable and resilient society.

In this respect, Laimin Omar, Chairman of Kampung Piasau Kota Belud Residents' Association, shared that they carried out a mini project on recycling waste materials in Kampung Piasau.

Kampung Piasau boasts approximately 2,600 residents and an average of 398 Head of Households (KIR). The community is also home to 64 registered retail shops, reflecting its vibrant local economy and social fabric. He added that the village faces significant challenges related to waste management.

“Observations during several community clean-up initiatives reveal a troubling pattern: many waste materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and other refuse are often left scattered throughout the village or disposed of improperly. This not only diminishes the area's cleanliness but also poses environmental risks,” he said.

A common practice among residents is to collect waste, and in some cases, attempt to burn it in open fields or simply discard it in town. These actions contribute to air pollution and pose health hazards to the community, he explained.

According to him, they decided to address waste management through recycling, as these issues require collective effort and community awareness.

“We collected discarded items such as clothes, paper, boxes, and drink packets, among others. These materials can be transformed into various handmade products, including flower pots, bags, and purses,” he explained. “Of course, additional ingredients and craft techniques are involved in creating these handicrafts, but these recycled materials form the main components.”

He further shared that the community has already begun marketing their handmade products, expressing optimism that their sales will increase in the future. He believes that with continued effort and support, this initiative will help empower the community economically, encouraging local entrepreneurs to thrive and fostering a sense of pride and sustainability within Kampung Piasau.

According to him, when the Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI Programme (SejaTi MADANI), a new initiative launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under the MADANI Government, was introduced on 25 March 2024, they decided to apply for it, recognising that the programme was open to all communities across the country. Based on this information, they submitted their application accordingly.

“We applied for RM50,000 initially.  RM49,000 was approved and we received it from the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick,” he shared, adding that he thanked the Minister and the Government for this support.

The funds will be used for the association and their recycling project. There are 10 participants that are involved in making paper, seven participants in making flower pots, 10 participants on recycled clothes and 10 on used plastic bags. With Committee members, there are 50 participants in all.

By choosing this project, Kampung Piasau can take important steps towards sustainable living, environmental preservation, and the well-being of its residents. Laiman stressed that education, along with the provision of proper waste disposal facilities and active community participation, will ensure that the village can overcome its waste management challenges and set a positive example for neighbouring communities.