By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 13: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) will be hosting its annual Environmental Day 2025 tomorrow (June 14) with a fresh and inspiring theme “Trash to Hope”, aiming to transform how the community views waste.
Set to take place from 9am to 12pm at Dewan Masyarakat MBKS, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the event is packed with environmentally-driven activities to raise public awareness and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
“This theme reflects not just a slogan, but our collective aspiration to turn waste into meaningful resources through innovative and community-driven efforts.
“It is about cultivating a mindset shift, from seeing waste as a problem to recognising its potential as a solution,” he said during a press conference held at MBKS building here today.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian is expected to officiate the event.
Wee shared that one of the event’s highlights is the ‘Program Bank Sampah’ (Waste Bank Programme) which features a collection drive for e-waste, used cooking oil and the MBKS Buy Back Programme.
“This initiative encourages responsible disposal and recycling practices at the community level, contributing to a cleaner, healthier Kuching,” he stressed.
Another key attraction is the Kuching Natural Farmer Market, to be held at the MBKS Old Wing. It will bring together 31 stalls offering farm-fresh produce, handmade natural goods, and eco-friendly products.
In addition, MBKS will collaborate with Kuching Food Aid to run a Food Aid Donation Drive, encouraging the public to contribute non-perishable food items and basic necessities for underprivileged communities.
Another exciting feature of this year’s Environmental Day is the participation of Persatuan Soka Gakkai Cawangan Sarawak, who will be promoting their biennial Run for Peace initiative.
According to Wee, this year’s involvement by the group is particularly special as they will be introducing the concept of eco bricks—a creative and sustainable way to repurpose plastic waste.
To mark the occasion, the group will also be constructing a large-scale sculpture measuring 8 feet by 22 feet, entirely from eco bricks. The completed artwork will be displayed prominently at MBKS, symbolising the transformation of waste into something meaningful and impactful.
Adding colour and creativity to the day will be the much-anticipated Eco Glam Fashion Face-Off, where kindergarten and primary school students will showcase upcycled outfits made from recyclable materials.
Organised by the MBKS Child Council under the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), the competition aims to nurture children’s creativity and environmental awareness.
It will feature two age categories: children aged 4 to 6 years old and those aged 7 to 12 years old. Participants in both categories stand a chance to win attractive prizes that reward creativity and environmental awareness.
The first prize winner in each category will receive RM300 and a certificate, while the second prize winner will be awarded RM200 and a certificate. The third prize comes with RM100 and a certificate.
In addition, five consolation prizes worth RM50 each, along with certificates, will be given out in each category to recognise outstanding effort and participation.
“We hope this inspires our young participants to see waste not as rubbish, but as a resource—something they can transform into something beautiful and meaningful,” Wee said. — DayakDaily
