(From left) Cheng Ze, Ming Jie, Chee Feng and Jian Ann having a discussion about their project.
A GROUP of students from SMJK Choong Hua in Bidor, Perak, aims to raise awareness about recycling fruit waste as a means of protecting the environment.
The group, known as Bio Catalyst Alliance (BCA), consists of Song Cheng Ze, Lai Jian Ann, Tan Ming Jie and Wong Chee Feng, all aged 17.
They discovered that fruit vendors in Kampung Kuala Bikam in Bidor often faced difficulties in managing fruit waste.
The students believe the organic waste can be turned into fertiliser or enzymes, or be used as other products in line with the circular economy concept.
“The fruit waste not only takes up space at the vendors’ premises, they also emit a foul odour that pollutes the environment,” the group of teenagers said in a media statement.
“This gave us the idea to turn the waste into organic fertilisers and enzymes that can be used in farming.
“Organic waste is then recycled, thus creating a positive impact on the environment,” the group added.
The team will be presenting their fruit waste recycling idea when they represent Perak in the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) 2024 programme.
The national six-month inter-school competition, aimed at addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices, is jointly organised by UMW Toyota and Education Ministry.
SMJK Choong Hua principal Ma Chau Wai believes the programme showcases the students’ innovation and practical ability, which are crucial for their all-round development.
“The school has always been committed to cultivating the students’ sense of social responsibility.
“By taking part in the programme, they can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental protection and to also apply the knowledge they learn in real life,” said Ma.
The TEY programme was launched in May this year to empower young individuals to develop sustainable environmental solutions.
A total of 15 schools are participating in this year’s edition of the competition, including SMK Bukit Batu in Johor, SMK Alor Janggus (Kedah), SMK Sultan Ismail (Kelantan), SMK Bandar Samariang (Sarawak) and SMK Seri Hartamas (Kuala Lumpur).
