The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan Campus, organized Recycling Day 2.0 in the Kuantan district, collecting a staggering 80,000 kg of used items that would otherwise have ended up in landfills. The program, held on August 19, 20, and 24, saw participation from 1,400 visitors and involved 180 volunteers. This marked the second edition of the event under the Environmental Management and Monitoring Committee (IKC EPMC), which received tremendous support from the communities of Kuantan, Pekan, and Kemaman. IKC EPMC, a university body responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental standards, also won international recognition in 2023 by clinching the International Green Gown Award for community impact. The project successfully gathered nearly 67,000 kg of various textiles, 2,000 kg of used cooking oil, and 11,000 kg of recyclables like paper, plastic, iron, aluminum, boxes, electronic waste, and books. Initially targeting a maximum of 10,000 kg for textiles, IKC EPMC exceeded expectations, collecting nearly 70,000 kg due to overwhelming support. Dr. Noor Artika Hassan, the Chairman of IKC EPMC, highlighted that each individual generates approximately 1.5 kg of waste daily, emphasizing the importance of recycling in both environmental preservation and reducing vector-borne diseases like dengue in Malaysia. IKC EPMC is committed to educating and empowering the public to embrace a green lifestyle, striving to build a waste-free community and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the categories of Health and Well-being (3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (11), and Partnerships for the Goals (17) to ensure ongoing environmental sustainability for future generations. Currently, they utilize their Facebook group, Freecycle Kuantan, with 31,057 members, for the purpose of the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). This year’s Recycling Program was a collaborative effort between IKC EPMC, the National Unity and Integration Department of Kuantan District, Lifeline Clothing Malaysia, SWCorp Malaysia, Daya Bersih Sdn Bhd (DBSB), Sally Global Enterprise, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, UIAM Auxiliary Police, Sultan Ahmad Shah Polytechnic (POLISAS), Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), with sponsorship from IIUM Trust Fund, Nestle, McDonald’s, Mat Rock Kuantan, Avantcom International Sdn. Bhd., and Aqqad Enterprise. The event also received volunteer support from university staff, the Medical and Biotechnology Students’ Association (MEDSS and Xanthus), various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and diverse communities in Kuantan, including members of the Malaysian Volunteer Department (RELA), the Malaysian Nature Society Pahang, Lions Club Indera Mahkota, the Malaysian Community Drug Intervention Organization (KOMITED), and the general public in Pahang. Through collaboration among various agencies and multicultural communities, this program aligns with the nation’s goal of steering Malaysia toward a united society, fulfilling aspirations in conjunction with the 66th National Day theme.
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