Main Campus, 18th May - The Environmental Protection and Education (EPE) Hub of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) organized a beach cleaning activity at Pantai Teluk Bayu, Penang. This activity designed to raise awareness among USM staff and students about their eco-responsibility, especially regarding recyclable waste. It involved 30 USM students and staff, alongside nine members from the Penang Scout Association to clean up the beach.

 

In the beach cleaning activity, EPE Hub prepared garbage pickers, leaf brooms, gloves, wicker baskets, and a wheelbarrow for the participants to clean up a lot of waste and plastic waste. They not only cleaned up the rubbish on the beach, but also checked the surrounding environment to ensure the cleanliness of the whole area. The cleaning activity not only raised the participants' awareness of environmental protection, but also showed their firm determination to protect the environment.

​

In addition, a representative of SS Mutiara Metal, Mr Ravi was invited to the activity and Mr Ravi introduced the importance of recycling and how to properly dispose of waste to the USM staff and students. Mr Ravi also shared environmental knowledge and practical environmental tips to increase students' awareness and participation in environmental protection.

​

The core activities included cleaning coastal areas and guidance on sorting recyclable and non-recyclable waste for the participants. According to Event Coordinator, Khoo Boon Yin said USM staff and students resulted in the collection of 26.4 kg of recyclable waste and 63.9 kg of waste non-recyclable waste. While expressing his satisfaction, he also stressed the importance of the achievements of the activity to the cause of environmental protection, as well as the hard work and spirit of solidarity and cooperation shown by the participants. 

​

"We hope that through such activities, more people's attention and action on environmental protection will be aroused. Everyone can contribute to environmental protection, responsibility to maintain beach cleanliness by collecting recyclable items for Green Charity. We believe, through collective efforts we can create a cleaner and better world,” said Khoo.

​

A Year 2 student, Tan Yin Ann, School of Management, said participating in this beach cleaning activity taught her a lot about environmental protection, especially how to properly separate waste. She realized the importance of environmental protection, everyone should do their part to protect the earth. Tan said she will continue to participate in similar activities to contribute to environmental protection.

​

This beach cleaning activity not only injected new vitality into the cause of environmental protection, but also conveyed a positive environmental attitude to the community. In the future, Mr Khoo said will continue to organize similar activities to contribute to the cause of environmental protection and call on more people to join in environmental protection actions.