KUCHING: The InnoWaste 2025 programme features various innovative results in waste management and environmental sustainability by students, higher learning institutions and local authorities.

The programme organised by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) with the theme “Reimagining Waste for a Sustainable Sarawak” took place from 19 to 21 October 2025 at Pullman Hotel Kuching.

The Lundu District Council was crowned as the champion in the local authority category, followed by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) in second place and the Sri Aman District Council in third place.

The best exhibition category (other organisations) saw the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation Malaysia (Kuching) announced as the champion, followed by Worming Up in second place and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in third.

Chung Hua Middle School No. 1 topped the secondary school category with the “Rainwater Harvesting & Hydropower” project, followed by Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St. Thomas in second place (Kitar Suku Kata) and SMK Pending in third place (Tropical Rainforest).

Meanwhile, the creation of the “Eco Flex Math Challenge Kit” enabled Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chung Hua Pangkalan Baru to emerge as the champion in the primary school category, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Dato Mohd Musa in second place with the innovation “Beg Ajaib Ku”, while SK Song Kheng Hai and SJK (C) Kai Nang shared third place with the “Caps Kingdom” and “Solar Eclipse Box” projects.

The prize presentation ceremony to the winners was officiated by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the programme, on Monday.

The programme also featured two educational talk sessions by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Environmental Control Officer, Timah Beskop who presented the topic “Sustainable Solid Waste Management” and Regional Plant Manager Sar-Alam Indah Sdn Bhd and Caroline Ma who discussed the topic “The Water Cycle: Reimagining Wastewater”.

Both talks provided exposure to participants on sustainable waste management and the potential for innovation in wastewater treatment to support the circular economy agenda in Sarawak.

The programme will continue tomorrow with various exhibition activities, sharing sessions and community participation as a platform to strengthen the culture of green innovation and public awareness of environmental sustainability.- UKASnews

Reported by: Betrice Britney Dee
Photographer: Ibanez Jeffery Guang