By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 14: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is driving home the message of sustainability with this year’s MBKS Environmental Day 2025, themed ‘Trash To Hope’, which saw a vibrant turnout at Dewan Masyarakat MBKS today.
Officiated by MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, the event, held in conjunction with World Environment Day, was a rallying call for urgent and united environmental action across all levels of society.
“This year, MBKS has chosen to hold our celebration today on June 14th, slightly later than the global date of June 5th, in respect of the Gawai celebration, a very important and meaningful festival in Sarawak.
“However, the message remains equally urgent: We must act now,” Wee said in his speech.
Wee emphasised that environmental action today is crucial for safeguarding the future of the next generation.
“If we wish to give our children and grandchildren a safe and healthy future, we must begin by organising our efforts today.
“We can only maintain the balance of our water, air and land through united, consistent action,” he stressed.
Wee also invoked the wisdom of the past, saying that caring for the environment is not only a hope but an expectation passed down by those who came before.
“This is not only a wish of our forefathers—it is also their expectation. Let us remember their message: May the whole earth, the whole environment be most advantageous for all of us, and give an opportunity to our dreams,” he added.
Running concurrently during the event was the Eco Glam Fashion Face-Off Competition, which drew vibrant participation from children aged four to 12 who confidently showcased creative outfits made from recycled materials.
In the 4 to 6 years old category, Nur Hafeeza Razlan took home the first prize of RM300 and a certificate, followed by Adriella Wimola Alex who won RM200 and a certificate for second place, and Qaireen Qasreena Abdullah who received RM100 and a certificate in third place.
Aren Nanta, Queenzy Lennon Kho Yang Ning, Mya Arissa Ezuwandi, Russell Louise David Platea, and Adam Rizqi Mohd Rais each received consolation prizes worth RM50 and a certificate.
In the 7 to 12 years old category, the top spot and RM300 prize went to Anson Lim Jin Ren, with Deshaine Liew earning RM200 as second prize winner and Eunna Hii Ka Jing taking RM100 for third place.
Kimberly Chong Yew Xuan, Paris Ngu, Almira Sofia Binti Abdul Mohamad Faizal, Jovina Kho Jia Yee, and Quincy Lennon Kho Teng Jie were each awarded RM50 and certificates as consolation winners.
MBKS Councillor Cr Drahman Jaladin presented the prizes to the winners.
The competition, organised under the MBKS Child Council and supported by UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), reflects the council’s broader effort to cultivate sustainability values among the younger generation.
Among the key highlights during the event was the Bank Sampah programme, which welcomed residents to responsibly dispose of e-waste, used cooking oil, paper, PET bottles, and scrap metal. This mobile recycling initiative operates weekly in local residential areas to cultivate sustainable habits.
Meanwhile, the Kuching Natural Farmer Market, featuring 31 stalls of chemical-free produce and artisanal goods, drew a steady crowd of eco-conscious shoppers. The market, a bi-monthly event since 2024, promotes nature farming methods without the use of synthetic fertilisers or pesticides.
Adding a humanitarian touch to the event, MBKS also collaborated with Kuching Food Aid to host a food donation drive. Members of the public were encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items and basic necessities for underprivileged communities. – DayakDaily
