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NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday FEB 15, 2026

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Creating green awareness via ‘seed pen’ initiative

Use electricity wisely during hot weather, public urged KUALA LUMPUR: The public is advised to use electricity prudently during the ongoing hot spell and ahead of the festive season, when energy consumption is expected to increase. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) said electricity usage typically rises during hot weather, particularly due to longer operating hours for electrical appliances such as air conditioners and fans. Electricity consumption also tends to rise during festive periods due to the prolonged use of decorative lighting, food preparation and hosting open houses, said TNB. Electrical safety tips 0 Switch off the main power supply when leaving home and unplug unused electrical appliances. 0 Ensure electrical appliances are not exposed to direct sunlight, excessive heat or flammable materials such as curtains and paper. 0 Check sockets, plugs and wiring to ensure none are damaged or loose. 0 Ensure Residual Current Devices (RCD/ELCB/RCCB) are functioning properly and tested regularly. 0 Engage only Energy Commission ST-registered electrical contractors for wiring or repair works. 0 Use electrical appliances and decorative lights certified by ST-Sirim and those with high energy efficiency ratings. 0 Avoid overloading sockets or using extension cords for high-powered appliances. 0 Do not charge mobile phones while using them or leave electrical appliances operating unattended. Keep fireworks and festive materials away from electrical poles and cables. Prudent electricity usage 0 Set air-conditioner temperatures between 24°C and 26°C, clean filters regularly and ensure proper ventilation. 0 Arrange refrigerator contents properly to allow good airflow. 0 Use timers for decorative lights and maximise natural light during daytime. 0 Plan appliance usage to avoid operating high-powered appliances simultaneously. 0 Limit the use of water heaters while bathing. 0 Switch off appliances when not in use. 0 Iron clothes in bulk to reduce electricity consumption. 0 Switch off rice cookers after cooking. Report disruptions via TNB CareLine at 15454, Chatbot Sara on the myTNB portal (www.mytnb.com.my) or via the TNB CareLine social media accounts on Facebook and X @Tenaga_Nasional. – Bernama

Plantable writing instrument allows consumers to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable habits by reusing item to grow vegetables

She said based on research and user feedback, plants usually sprout within two weeks. “Designed with sustainability in mind, these seed pens are made from recycled paper, with almost all parts biodegradable except for the ink tube. Research and development is ongoing to make the tube fully biodegradable as well,” she said. On balancing affordability with sustainability, Shalenee said the key is making the products accessible to more people. “Affordable products attract more customers, as they feel (justified) when spending on reasonably priced items. “Especially when you’re on a mission to revolutionise the world, affordability is crucial to spread the message and reach more customers. Our business will eventually sustain itself.” Shalenee said the seed pen is designed to transform how people view and use everyday plastic items, turning a product that would normally be discarded into something which has a positive environmental impact. She highlighted that Malaysians have responded positively to the concept of a pen that can be planted after use, with most customers drawn to the planting process while others appreciate the quality and enjoy writing with it. “We are committed to a more sustainable world, with our zero waste initiative, including plantable seed pens, school and office talks and biodegradable products repurposed as animal feedstock.” nutrionist Dr Azizah Othman said certain vitamins and minerals can help support the immune system in protecting against TB, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D and zinc. She said vitamin D is particularly important for TB defence, as it acts like a biological “switch” that activates white blood cells to produce antimicrobial peptides that help kill TB-causing bacteria. “For those traveling and spending more time indoors or in crowded transport, a vitamin D3 supplement (around 1,000–2,000 IU) or 15 minutes of morning sun can keep this defence active.” She also reminded the public that wearing a mask remains one of the most effective external protections, especially during festive activities. – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

“Almost everyone uses a pen and most pens are made of plastic. Imagine how much plastic waste is generated when these are thrown away. “Envirozen is tackling this issue by introducing plantable pens, which could reduce plastic waste by up to 90%. Pens are always in demand, making this both a sustainable business and an environmentally friendly solution,” she said. With Malaysia estimated to generate more than one million tonnes of post-consumer plastic waste annually according to WWF-Malaysia, and with national strategies in place to eliminate single-use plastics by 2030, these plantable pens offer a simple way for consumers to reduce waste while promoting sustainable habits. Shalenee said by turning a simple everyday item into a sustainable alternative, she aims to encourage Malaysians to rethink how even small actions can contribute to reducing environmental waste. “I wanted to create a world free of plastic, so I’m exploring alternatives to everyday plastic products. As a chemical engineer, I understand the impact plastics have on our country, which is why I wanted to make a change. “Plantable pens are a great start to support this larger vision,” she said. According to Shalenee, once the ink runs out, users can simply plant the bottom of the pen, where the seeds are embedded, into a small pot or garden. The pens come with four types of seeds – tomato, brinjal, radish and spinach.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

brand offering “plantable pens” as a green alternative. In an exclusive interview with theSun , Envirozen Malaysia founder and CEO Shalenee Puva said the idea behind the plantable pen stems from the massive amount of plastic waste generated by conventional pens.

PETALING JAYA: What usually ends up in the bin after the ink runs out is now being transformed into something that can grow and be repurposed, thanks to a local

Shalenee said once the ink runs out, the seed pen can be planted to grow tomatoes, brinjal, radish or spinach, with sprouts appearing in one to two weeks. – PIC COURTESY OF ENVIROZEN MALAYSIA

Beware of hidden TB infection risk, says expert PETALING JAYA: As Malaysians make preparations for the Chinese New Year celebrations and Ramadan, public health experts are warning about a hidden risk – early tuberculosis (TB) infections that often go unnoticed. According to Universiti it is quite difficult to contract TB from just one encounter. “Simply attending Chinese New Year gatherings is unlikely to be the main cause of catching PTB. “However, individuals who are known to be TB-positive and still infectious should avoid mixing with others without proper precautions, such as wearing a mask,” she said. being diagnosed when prominent symptoms develop and they are confirmed as PTB cases. “If you think you have symptoms, please get screened, especially if you come from TB outbreak areas, or have been in close contact with someone infected.”

Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, many infected individuals may appear healthy or show only mild symptoms, making the disease hard to detect. “This is why it’s so dangerous. Diagnosis can take weeks, months or even years, depending on a person’s immune system and access to healthcare for diagnosis and treatment,” she told theSun. Sharifa said pulmonary TB (PTB) is usually spread through repeated exposure or in constant contact with an infected person via coughing or saliva, adding that

Sharifa said the biggest mistake people make with TB symptoms is not seeking proper diagnosis from healthcare providers, which can result in unknowingly infecting others, prolonging the illness and increasing the risk of complications. “Many people no longer wear masks unless in high-risk situations. If you are at higher risk or have something infectious, such as flu, it’s important to wear a mask in public or when interacting with vulnerable individuals,” she said. Universiti Teknologi Mara

Sharifa added that certain groups are at higher risk of TB, including children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and those living with HIV. She emphasised that it is possible for TB patients to appear healthy and continue festive activities without knowing they are infectious. “PTB is very insidious and can mimic many other illnesses. Many people may be positive without realising they are infectious, only