By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 29: Sarawak is on course to establish Kelab Pencinta Alam Sekitar (PALS) in every school statewide by 2027, three years ahead of schedule, following Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s approval of RM13.7 million last year to support the initiative.
Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Environmental Quality Controller Datu Jack Liam said the NREB is confident of achieving this target through strong collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) and the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS).
“As of October this year, 675 schools across Sarawak have successfully formed PALS, including 197 new clubs established between November 2024 and this month. This is an encouraging milestone as we move closer to our goal of creating environmental clubs in every primary and secondary school by 2027,” he said in his welcoming remarks at the State-level National Environment Day (HASN) 2025 celebration at a resort in Sematan today, which was streamed live via Ukas Channel.
The celebration was officiated by Abang Johari, who also serves as NREB Board chairman.
Jack expressed appreciation to Premier for his continued commitment to environmental education, adding that the State’s strong policy support has accelerated progress in expanding the PALS programme statewide.
He said the initiative underscores Sarawak’s strong determination to nurture environmental awareness among the younger generation while strengthening sustainability education within the school community.
At the same time, Jack said NREB continues to intensify recycling and waste reduction programmes, particularly the collection and recycling of used tyres.
“Since 2013, a total of 117,268 metric tonnes of used tyres have been collected through ZHA Environmental Sdn Bhd, with 114,507 metric tonnes successfully recycled.
“These figures reflect Sarawak’s steady progress in promoting waste reduction and advancing circular economy practices in line with our broader sustainability goals,” he added.
Also present were Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; Deputy Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, representing the State Secretary; Deputy Minister for Urban Development, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who is also NREB deputy chairman; and Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. – DayakDaily
