MYSaveFood Ramadan: Food Waste Reduction and Redistribution Initiative

The MYSaveFood Ramadan, UiTM Perlis programme is a strategic initiative by the Harmony Youth Association of UiTM Perlis in collaboration with the Malaysian GEMA Youth Organization and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation. The programme aimed to reduce food waste in the Arau Ramadan Bazaar, Perlis, by acquiring surplus food and drinks that were not sold by vendors. The unsold food will be distributed to the needy, as food waste is a significant contributor to landfills and the third largest greenhouse gas producer in Malaysia. The programme runs for 11 working days, with volunteers collecting and recording food sent by traders daily. The unsold food will be distributed to students in need at An-Nur Mosque, UiTM Perlis Branch. The programme aims to enhance students’ academic learning, personal growth, and skills development, but its primary focus is on community service and environmental issues.

Recycling Used Cooking Oil into Green Eco Soap

A knowledge transfer programme (KTP) through community service learning to recycle used cooking oil into soap was conducted by a group of researchers from the Faculty of Applied Science, UiTM Shah Alam. Led by Associate Professor Dr Zainiharyati Mohd Zain, the Salam Komuniti Lestari Programme under the financial support from Selangor State Government was held at Dewan MBSA Seri Pagi, Kampung Paya Jaras, Seksyen U19, Shah Alam.

The aim of this project was to provide soap making awareness and knowledge via close engagement between academics, governmental agencies, and community on the process of recycling used cooking oil into soap. This community initiative raises awareness, exposure, and training for 30 participants from Shah Alam City Council to recycle used cooking oil into soap manufactured at their homes or businesses.

The soap making optimisation process was brought from the lab to the community using cleaner and simpler recycling procedures, adapted to the community’s knowledge and at-home facilities. The soap production quality was enhanced by utilising a different formulation, considering several factors including the moisture content, fragrance, pH value, and physical properties. This project is aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This initiative has the potential to create money by creating soap, which would help the local economy in Selangor.

“3R Cultural Practice in the Office Workshop in Conjunction with UiTM Green Campus Sustainability Festival 2023”

The 3R Cultural Practice in the Office Workshop in conjunction with the UiTM Green Campus Sustainability Festival 2023 took place at Al Khawarizmi Lecture Hall, UiTM Perak Branch, Seri Iskandar Campus. The programme which targeted SDG 11 and SDG 12 was attended by 40 participants from the College Management Unit, Quality Management Unit, Vehicle Unit, Auxiliary Police, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Industry, Community, and Alumni Network (ICAN), UiTM Library, Administration Unit, Sports Unit, Student Centre, Facilities Management Division, Counseling Unit, Islamic Centre, Corporate Communication Unit, Treasurer, lecturers from the Centre of Studies for Architecture and the College of Creative Arts.

The main activities of this workshop were briefing and demonstration sessions of 3R cultural practices in the office by the guest speaker, Associate Professor Dr Siti Akhtar Mahayuddin, who is an expert in the field of Recycling Waste Management, assisted by Dr Noor Rizallinda Ishak. The sessions touched on the aspects of recycling, the classification of waste materials consisting of papers, plastics, and bottles, and the reuse of materials using the correct procedures to preserve the environment. Following the sessions, the participants were asked to answer a quiz and participate in group activities to ensure application of knowledge learned to foster the spirit of recycling among participants. This programme has achieved UiTM’s performance index which are PI 105 (Water Conservation), PI 107 (3R Project and Practice), and PI 108 (Reduction of Plastic and Paper Use).

Bring Your Own Container (BYOC) Collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Research in Wastewater Treatment.

The “Bring Your Own Container (BYOC)” initiative, part of the UiTM Green Campus Sustainability Festival 2023, took place at UiTM Dengkil. This month-long programme aimed to increase the visibility of UiTM as a leading institution supporting campus sustainability initiatives. With a budget of RM9800 and participation from 3400 individuals, the programme featured a diverse range of activities designed to promote environmental awareness and sustainability practices.

Key activities included the BYOC collaboration with WWF, which encouraged the reduction of single-use plastics on campus. Additionally, the programme incorporated research in wastewater treatment, resulting in the publication of a Q1 paper. Volunteering efforts in FARMUR, Cyberjaya, and participation in the ASiD Sustainability Festival Week (Minggu Festival Kelestarian ASiD) 2023 further engaged students and staff in hands-on environmental conservation activities.

The impact of these activities was significant, involving both staff and students to raise environmental awareness and highlight the importance of sustainability. The successful publication of a Q1 paper in the field of water management enhanced UiTM’s academic reputation. Furthermore, the programme’s innovation in treating water greenly earned a Gold Award in the Creation de UiTM 2023 competition, demonstrating UiTM’s commitment to sustainable practices. The collaboration with WWF and other partners reinforced UiTM’s role as a leader in sustainability initiatives, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within the university community.

UiTM’s Research to Make Palm Oil Safer and Cleaner

UiTM is working on a project to make palm oil safer by reducing harmful chemicals that can form during the oil refining process. These chemicals, known as 3-MCPDE and glycidyl esters, are created when crude palm oil is heated to high temperature. The project focuses on using citric acid to pre-treat the oil and then refining it in a way that reduces these harmful substances. By adjusting factors like the amount of phosphoric acid used, the type of clay for bleaching, and the temperature during deodorization, the research aims to lower these pollutants while keeping the oil high quality. The goal is to help the Malaysian palm oil industry to meet the strict European safety standards. This work supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting safer and more environmentally friendly palm oil production practices, aligning with UiTM’s commitment to sustainability.

UiTM’s Innovative Solution to Clean Up Environmental Pollutants

UiTM is working on a new approach to tackle pollution from harmful chemicals and dyes that can damage the environment and health. The project focuses on creating a special photocatalyst, which is a material that helps break down pollutants when exposed to light. This photocatalyst, made from zinc sulfide with added defects and combined with silver compounds, aims to efficiently remove toxic substances like organic dyes and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from wastewater. By using a method called hydrothermal synthesis and advanced testing techniques, this research seeks to develop a more effective way to clean up these pollutants. This approach supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting safer and more sustainable methods for treating waste, reducing environmental impact, and improving overall health. UiTM’s work in this area is a step towards cleaner production processes and better environmental protection.

UiTM Research on Catalytic Co-Pyrolysis of Disposable Face Masks and Palm Fronds for Sustainable Biofuel Production

A research project led by a UiTM lecturer addresses the environmental impact of improperly disposed disposable face masks (DFM) and oil palm frond (OPF) waste. The study explores the use of catalytic co-pyrolysis, a promising technology that converts OPF and DFM into valuable biofuel. This process leverages the synergistic effects of these feedstocks under optimal reaction conditions, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The research aims to clarify the synergistic mechanism by focusing on free radical interactions during the catalytic copyrolysis process. Using advanced tools like the electron spin resonance spectrometer (ESR), the study will identify free radicals and analyse product distribution, synergistic effects, and conversion kinetics. The findings could lead to innovative strategies for managing waste, reducing environmental pollution, and improving energy efficiency. This research is closely aligned with SDG 12, which emphasises responsible consumption and production, particularly in managing waste sustainably.

Promoting Responsible Consumption and Production through Creative Activities and Financial Education at Rumah Harapan Orphan House.

The “Public Volunteering With UiTM & UNSIKA” programme, organised through a collaboration between UiTM Selangor and Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang (UNSIKA), took place with a focus on SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The main activities of the programme included a visit to Rumah Harapan in Karawang, Indonesia, seminars on saving practices, screenings, and creative activities using recycled items.

The programme successfully achieved a significant increase in awareness among orphans about the importance of saving and managing recycled goods. Through the activities and seminars, participants were introduced to financial management concepts and the responsible use of resources, encouraging them to practice sustainability in their daily lives. The money box decoration activity using recycled materials also fostered a caring attitude toward waste management and demonstrated creative and innovative ways to utilise recycled items.

Overall, the programme met its objective by promoting responsible resource use and waste management. Additionally, it enhanced awareness and motivation among orphans, providing them with valuable knowledge and skills for managing resources more responsibly.

Sustainable Workshop on Pesticides and Organic Fertilizers from Kitchen Waste

A total of 82 participants consisting of UiTM staff and students participated in the Natural Sustainability Workshop: Insecticides and Organic Fertilizers from Kitchen Waste with the Department of Agriculture in Batang Padang Perak to support the UiTM Green Campus Sustainability Festival 2023. The workshop consisted of a theoretical and practical briefing session about organic fertilizers and compost by Batang Padang District Agriculture Officer.

Organic fertilizers are natural fertilizers produced using natural materials (e.g: animal feces and compost) that undergo a decay process and produce important nutrients that plants need. It easily decomposes in the soil and has a low nutrient content of less than 8%. Meanwhile, compost refers to one of the processes in the production of organic fertilizers where materials such as grass/dried leaves, kitchen waste, vegetable/fruit waste undergo a natural decay process. Compost can add nutrients to the soil, introduce useful organisms to the soil, and reduce kitchen waste disposal.

In the practical session, the speaker also shared five (5) recipes, namely the production of kitchen waste compost, Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ), Fish Amino Acid (FAA), and Egg Shell Fertilizer (CAP). These recipes use different ingredients and necessarily produce products for different purposes. In conclusion, this workshop encourages the UiTM Tapah community to practise green practices.

UiTM iBin Revolution: Pioneering Smart Recycling for a Sustainable Future

The Smart Bin (iBin) Project was officially inaugurated at the Pay Chiao Chinese National Primary School (SJKC) hall on 22 November 2023, where recycling bins were handed over as part of a larger initiative to promote sustainable waste management. The iBin, a smart recycling bin utilising IoT technology, automates the collection of recyclable materials, streamlining waste disposal processes.

Led by Puan Rosniza Roslan and her team from UiTM Melaka’s College of Computing Informatics and Mathematics (KPPIM), this project is supported by the UiTM Community Engagement - Social Innovation Research (CE- SIR) Grant. In partnership with SWM Environment Sdn Bhd, recycling bins have been donated to selected schools, making them pioneers in this groundbreaking project. The first phase focuses on automating waste collection, with future improvements set to incorporate AI technology for more efficient and accurate classification of recycled goods.

This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of developing smart, sustainable cities and contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. By improving waste management systems through innovation and technology, the iBin project helps reduce waste generation and encourages responsible recycling practices in communities.

Making Wave Of Change: The Electronic Green Initiatives Database on Campus (eGREENi@campus) UITM PERAK

In an inspiring initiative that underscores the significance of environmental stewardship and sustainability, UiTM Perak Branch campus recently hosted the remarkable “Soft Launch of eGREENi @Campus” programme. This programme was a part of the larger UiTM Green Campus Sustainability Festival 2023. The “Electronic Green Initiatives Database on Campus (eGREENi@campus)” innovation aimed to consolidate and coordinate all green initiative activities in sustainably greening the campus. Solar Charging hub, Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) system, Green Roof, Kelulut farm, and MK Land teaming with several other campus initiatives were deployed in an interactive digital application. The initiative, organised by Unit 4: Green Entrepreneurship & Innovation, aligned with the university’s PI 107 and PI 108, to achieve SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 11, and SDG 12. It sought to promote eco-friendly practices, empower student innovation, and foster community engagement, aligning perfectly with UiTM Perak’s commitment to a more visible and greener future.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/making-wave-of-change-the-electronic-green -initiatives-database-on-campus-egreenicampus-uitm-perak/

UiTM Sketches History: 35,685 UiTM Community Participated in Simultaneous ‘Gotong-Royong’ Programme in All Campuses Nationwide

UiTM has made history when a simultaneous ‘Gotong-Royong’ Programme covering 34 branch campuses across the country with the participation of more than 35,685 UiTM community was recorded in “The Malaysia Book of Records”. The‘Gotong-Royong’ Programme organised by the Infrastructure & Infostructure Department in collaboration with the Student Affairs Division was themed “WE, CAMPUS AND NATURE”.

This theme was chosen randomly as it reflects a close relationship between these three elements to ensure that UiTM campuses remain conducive and the environment is protected from destruction caused by human actions. This programme started with the painting of curbs from Perindu College to Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) building. Meanwhile, the simultaneous ‘gotong-royong’ activities by all departments started immediately after the opening ceremony and the soft launch of the recycling centre.

The main objective of this programme was to make UiTM more cheerful, improve campus cleanliness, create a conducive and sustainable climate, as well as strengthen the spirit of cooperation among students, lecturers, administrators, and the entire UiTM community. This programme is also in line with government policy under the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), especially the Public Sector Conducive Ecosystem (EKSA) policy in 2017, which aims to create a conducive environment in the delivery of services to the community. It is hoped that this programme could strengthen the cooperation among UiTM residents and foster a sense of love for the campus.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/uitm-lakar-sejarah-35685-orang-warga-uitm -sertai-program-gotong-royong-serentak-di-semua-kampus-seluruh-negara/

E-Waste Collection and Green Initiative Launch

The Household Electrical & Electronic Waste Collection Programme (E-Waste) and the Green Initiative Project of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Bertam Campus were launched at Tun Abdul Razak Library, UiTM Bertam Campus. The programme focused on sustainable waste management, green lifestyle awareness, and water conservation, aligning with environmental governance and resource management. The programme collected 3 metric tons of e-waste on 8th and 9th July, with the largest contributions coming from the Limonia Lakeside Residence Association (LARA) and SMK Guar Perahu Indah.

A sharing session titled ‘Innovation Using Waste’ was attended by UiTM Campus staff, students, and educators from 18 primary and secondary schools around North Seberang Perai. A talk titled ‘Harta Intelekku’ by Mr Amirudin Bin Hamzah from the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO) highlighted the importance of copyright and the importance of generating ideas and using them for community and country. The Green Initiative Launch of the Faculty of Health Sciences through the Bertam Campus Environmental Health Department has developed three initiatives: (1) sustainable waste management, (2) green lifestyle awareness, and (3) increase of water savings. This initiative aims to ensure the preservation of the environment for future generations.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/majlis-pengumpulan-sisa-elektrik-elektronik -isi-rumah-e-waste-dan-pelancaran-inisiatif-hijau-fakulti-sains-kesihatan -uitm-cawangan-pulau-pinang-kampus-bertam-2023/

UiTM’s Green Initiative: Promoting Sustainable Practices through 3R Programme

The “Let’s Go Green: 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)” programme, organised by UiTM Sarawak Branch in collaboration with Kota Samarahan Municipal Council, showcases UiTM’s commitment to environmental sustainability and good governance. The event aimed to promote eco-friendly practices within the community by emphasising the importance of reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling resources. Participants engaged in activities designed to raise awareness about sustainable waste management and the benefits of adopting green practices. The programme included educational workshops, interactive sessions, and practical demonstrations to encourage active participation in environmental conservation. By integrating these initiatives into its governance framework, UiTM not only fosters a culture of sustainability but they also align with SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. This effort highlights UiTM’s role in promoting environmentally responsible practices and good governance within the educational and local community.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/program-lets-go-green-3r-reduce-reuse-recycle -anjuran-bersama-uitm-cawangan-sarawak-bersama-majlis-perbandaran-kota-samarahan/