31/01/2026

SATURDAY | JAN 31, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Sustainable plastic use hub in shopping complex

Kerk (6th right) joining volunteers at the Food Pantry Distribution for the needy who include senior citizens in Malacca. – SIVAA TANGAI RAJU/THESUN

collection practices, particularly for plastic waste to prevent it from being mixed with food waste and eventually end up in landfills. This is in line with the government’s plan to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme, beginning with brand owners at the initial stage. The centre is meant to play a critical role as a bridge between brand owners and the public. MPMA urged plastic manufacturers to go beyond producing and supplying bags to the market. Instead, the association encourages the production of reusable and recyclable plastic bags, such as those suitable for reuse as bin liners in support of the circular economy. Dispensing plastic bags at shopping outlets is not the main factor causing environmental problems, provided that the bags supplied are designed to be reusable and recyclable. Teh also displayed specially selected plastic bags printed with the messages “ amalkan kitar semula ” (observe recycling) and “don’t be a litterbug”.

o New centre supported by Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association and Sirim

Temple’s food aid reflects urgent community need

Ű BY P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

programme during the event with participation of students and lecturers from Polytechnic Ungku Omar here and Universiti Teknologi Petronas, industry leaders and supporters from some organisations. PSC principal Eddie Chong said the operation would work together with brand owners and shopping malls to collect recyclable plastic products. “Most importantly, a programme shall be carried out to educate the public to return clean recyclable plastics that would help recycling factories for their efficient recycling processes. “We will arrange recycling companies to engage in the plastic waste collection,” he said. “We will also organise events that educate the public to use plastic bags and packaging correctly.” PSC’s key responsibilities include encouraging and cultivating proper waste

IPOH: A hub for recyclable and eco-friendly solutions, one of the first of its kind in the country, has been launched at a shopping centre in Falim near here to promote activities and awareness in recycling. Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee Chairman Teh Kok Lim, who officiated at the MS Plastics Sustainability Centre (PSC), expressed hope that it would inspire people to come up with more innovative and responsible solutions. “We need to work together to build a greener and more sustainable world,” he said during the ceremony in the Aeon Big Family shopping complex on Jan 24. The centre is supported by the (MPMA) Perak Branch and Sirim Bhd. MPMA also organised a CSR

Ű BY SIVAA TANGAI RAJU newsdesk@thesundaily.com

MALACCA: At a time when rising prices stretch household budgets, a Buddhist temple here is reminding the community that compassion still has a place at the table. The Seck Kia Eenh (SKE) temple provided food to 300 elderly and needy families, continuing its longstanding commitment to serve regardless of race or religion. Malacca State Assembly Deputy Speaker Kerk Chee Yee recently visited to see the Food Pantry Distribution initiative. According to SKE deputy president Daniel Khoo, the distribution was organised amid growing economic pressure faced by vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, even after the Covid-19 period ended. He said it was made possible through continued public sponsorship. “Although the pandemic has ended, hardship remains. Many elderly people have insufficient savings and depend on irregular family support. Some families themselves are struggling, making it harder to care for elderly members. “So, as a religious body and non-governmental organisation, we respond whenever there is a need,“ he said. He told theSun more elderly people are seeking food assistance due to rising living costs and medical expenses. “Some receive small pensions that are no longer sufficient while others live alone or rely on limited government assistance that does not cover daily living as well as healthcare costs. “Long term dignity comes from stronger social safety nets and better community support,“ he said. Meanwhile, SKE Cancer Fund chairman Kenny Khoo said food insecurity is common among cancer patients due to the financial burden of treatment. He said the need to assist 300 people reflects a wider support gap affecting households with serious illness cases. “Cancer treatment is costly and often affects a patient’s ability to work. So, families may prioritise medical expenses over daily necessities. “While medical treatment may be subsidised, daily living expenses often are not covered,“ he said. The food distribution was sponsored by members of the public, with SKE coordinating logistics through volunteers. In 2025, the temple has also organised free medical check-ups, dental services, blood tests and cancer screenings for the wider community.

Teh (3rd right) showing one of the specially selected plastic bags during the opening. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN

Conservation group celebrates with jazz, creativity and youth

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

conceived as a fusion of world-class jazz and natural heritage, weaving international-calibre performances with environmental awareness. The festival has grown steadily in reach and impact, positioning Sabah as a destination where music meets conservation. The 2024 edition attracted over 1,500 attendees, a figure that rose to more than 2,200 in 2025. A mini concert by Australian band Soulcutz brought closure to the evening. There was a special moment when Ivan Hii was introduced as Foster’s first Youth Ambassador. This new role aims to empower youth leadership, advocacy, and representation for Sepilok Jazz and Bakat Sepilok Jazz on wider platforms.

dedicated to Sabah’s creative and environmental future. It started with a documentary screening tracing Foster’s journey, followed by announcements of upcoming 2026 events. These include the Bakat Sepilok Jazz 2026 scheduled in Sandakan on May 1 and Kota Kinabalu on May 3, and the Sepilok Jazz 5th Edition at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok, on Sept 4 and 5. Bakat Sepilok Jazz was launched in 2024 as a talent development platform for emerging musicians. Its 2025 edition drew over 100 participants from Sabah and Singapore, offering workshops, professional mentorship and live showcase opportunities. Launched in 2022, Sepilok Jazz was

KOTA KINABALU: The Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster) held an annual review and mini concert at the Mari Mari Cultural Village in Inanam here to look back at its youth development, conservation and cultural growth activities in 2025. The organisation operates a sea turtle hatchery on Libaran island, which helps create awareness on the challenges faced by endangered sea turtles. It aims to protect the species and educate both locals and travellers on marine conservation. The gathering on Jan 23 saw partners, sponsors, artists, cultural practitioners, journalists and the public uniting at an evening

Hii (front row, 3rd left) with Foster president Alexander Yee (4th left), Sabah Tourism Board representative Dexter Randy (6th left), Sepilok Jazz Music director Cheong Kok Ann (7th left) and others at the event in Mari Mari Cultural Village.