By DayakDaily Team
BELAGA, July 5: The Uma Daro Liling Padong (UDLP) community proudly crafted a striking replica of the Sarawak flag using 880 recycled plastic bottles, showcasing their creativity, commitment to sustainability, and deep pride for their State.
According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, the meaningful project was carried out in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2025 celebration and as part of UDLP’s participation in the Anugerah Desa Madani (ADM) 2025.
Spearheaded by the UDLP Women’s Bureau, the initiative not only showcased the creativity and ingenuity of a rural community but also delivers a powerful message on environmental sustainability and the importance of adopting a greener lifestyle through recycling.
Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication and Belaga assemblyman, Datuk Liwan Lagang, commended the initiative, saying it reflects the community’s deep affection for Sarawak and their commitment to preserving the environment.
“Their innovation in producing this beautiful replica of the Sarawak flag is truly admirable and symbolises their loyalty and pride for the State.
“Their efforts to beautify and keep their longhouse surroundings clean also deserve recognition, as it creates a healthier environment and nurtures the value of cleanliness among the younger generation.
“Education begins at home with the family and this, too, is a form of patriotism. Congratulations and well done to the mothers of UDLP,” he said.
Meanwhile, UDLP Women’s Bureau chairperson Alice Laing shared the creation process took nearly a week, starting with the collection, cleaning, and painting of bottles in the official colours of the Sarawak flag before assembling them into a large-scale display.
“We chose to work with recycled plastic bottles to show that what is often seen as waste can be transformed into something meaningful and inspiring.
“Beyond marking the Sarawak Day celebration, this project also serves as a platform for educating the community on the importance of recycling and sustainability,” she said.
She added that the initiative plays a role in informal education, particularly among younger residents, by promoting environmental awareness while deepening their sense of pride and love for Sarawak.
Village Chief (Maren Uma) Huvang Liah described the project as a catalyst for raising environmental consciousness in the community.
“Using discarded bottles to recreate the flag delivers a clear message about the importance of recycling in daily life. It not only reduces material waste but also shows how creativity can breathe new life into discarded items.
“More importantly, it reflects the community’s patriotic spirit in celebrating Sarawak Day on July 22 while showcasing their readiness ahead of ADM 2025 evaluations,” he added. — DayakDaily
