15-05-2025
Two Sabah villages explore waste-to-income initiatives
IN the residential communities of Kampung Warisan Inanam and Kampung Cenderamata 2 Likas, just a few kilometres from downtown Kota Kinabalu, a grassroots initiative focused on transforming waste into valuable products is quietly taking root.
The groups, consisting mainly of housewives, are participants in Planting Tomorrow: Towards Sustainable Communities, a Petronas signature programme carried out in collaboration with Yayasan Hijau Malaysia (YHM), an agency under the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
From turning plastic waste into coasters to repurposing discarded textiles into bags, the villagers are breathing new life into materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
Through the programme, participants were trained not only to reduce waste through recycling but also to upcycle waste into valuable products.
UPCYCLING - FROM TRASH TO TREASURE
Fifty participants from Kampung Warisan Inanam focused on upcycling textile waste into bags, pencil cases, and other household items, while 48 participants from Kampung Cenderamata 2 Likas transformed plastic waste into beads, keychains, and coasters.
Each group was actively engaged in their respective projects.
Ruhainah Rustan from Kampung Warisan Inanam said she and her peers have been selling various products made from discarded textiles since learning the skills through the programme.
"We received six months of training, and since then, we've been able to sell our products at Petronas and Kota Kinabalu City Hall events. It's not much, but at least we can supplement our incomes," said the 47-year-old housewife.
Ruhainah expressed hope for additional training, particularly in producing larger items like bedsheets and blankets.
Meanwhile, Rafidah Sarigan of Kampung Cenderamata 2 Likas said that she and her peers took the opportunity to join the programme when the offer came in February 2024.
"Waste management is familiar to us; we've been recognised as a 'clean village' by Kota Kinabalu City Hall for many years," said Rafidah, a 41-year old clerk and member of the Village Development and Security Committee.
Rafidah noted that sourcing raw materials for their projects was easy because the villagers already separated waste and donated recyclable plastic items to the local collection Centre.
"When we were approached to join the programme, we jumped at the opportunity. We participated in the training sessions and now we're able to make products from discarded plastics like detergent containers," she said.
Rafidah added that with the guidance provided, they also learnt the commercial side of upcycling.
"We've sold our products at events, and although we're not making significant profits yet, we are hopeful that expanding our market and product range will lead to more sustainable income," she added.
BUILDING AWARENESS BEYOND UPCYCLING
In addition to the upcycling training, the programme also incorporated environmental sustainability-related activities such as beach clean-ups and workshops involving local schoolchildren.
These initiatives have helped raise awareness about responsible consumption and the importance of waste management within the community.
During his recent visit to Kampung Cenderamata 2 Likas, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad described the partnership between YHM and Petronas as a prime example of how strategic collaboration can contribute to Malaysia's circular economy goals.
"This initiative also empowers local communities by equipping them with practical skills to repurpose waste materials into useful and marketable products such as household items, souvenirs, and cleaning agents," he said.
He added that the programme proves that when communities are actively engaged and empowered, they become powerful agents of change by turning waste into economic opportunities through upcycling and recycling initiatives.
"We are not only tackling pollution but also building local livelihoods.
This initiative has sparked greater awareness, participation, and ownership at the grassroots level, especially among women and micro-entrepreneurs.
"It also fosters a long-term behavioural shift towards responsible waste management. With continued support and cross-sector collaboration, this model can be scaled nationwide to drive Malaysia's sustainability goals from the ground up," he said.
LOCAL SUPPORT AND GROWING MOMENTUM
Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah echoed the minister's sentiments, praising the initiative for empowering communities while contributing to the city's cleanliness.
Also present at the event were Petronas senior general manager of Strategic Communications, Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Siti Azlina Abdul Latif, and Petronas Sabah and Labuan Regional Office general manager, Siti Ayu Abdul Wahab.
"Through the Petronas Planting Tomorrow: Towards Sustainable Communities initiative, we are empowering communities in the two villages to transform waste into valuable products.
