20/12/2025
Environmental Sustainability Program under the Initiative of the School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia at Teluk Intan
Teluk Intan — The School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), successfully organised an environmental sustainability programme at the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Square, Durian Sebatang, Teluk Intan, as part of its ongoing initiative to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices among university members and the local community.
The programme involved the participation of 30 undergraduate students and four senior academic staff members, namely Dr. Nurul Yani Bt Rahim, Dr. Ng Si Ling, Associate Professor Dr. Oh Wen Da, and Ms. Norhayati Bt Abdul Kadir. The active involvement of both academicians and students reflects USM’s continuous commitment to fostering sustainability-oriented education and meaningful community engagement.
Key activities of the programme included community clean-up efforts, repainting of public facilities, and tree-planting initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental cleanliness, beautification, and long-term ecological preservation. These activities not only contributed to the improvement of the public space but also instilled a strong sense of environmental responsibility, teamwork, and civic consciousness among the participants.
In addition, the students conducted hands-on practical training by examining and assessing the water quality of the Perak River through systematic sampling and analytical testing. This practical exercise provided valuable exposure to the real-world application of chemical sciences, particularly in the areas of environmental monitoring and sustainable water resource management.
The programme was also carried out in collaboration with Pertubuhan Generasi Peduli Sampah Malaysia under the Friends of Perak River Community project initiative. The event was further enlivened by the presence of National Youth Icon, Beh Zeng Kang, a well-known volunteerism and environmental activism advocate, whose participation added significant value to the programme through youth engagement and community inspiration.
The programme received strong cooperation and support from the Teluk Intan Municipal Council and the Hilir Perak District Youth and Sports Office. This collaborative effort between the higher education institution, civil society organisations, and local authorities is expected to further strengthen environmental conservation initiatives and expand their positive impact on the surrounding community.
Overall, the programme successfully achieved its objectives by integrating volunteerism, experiential learning, and social responsibility, in line with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s aspiration to uphold sustainability-driven excellence in education, research, and community service.
