PADAWAN – The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has launched its first-ever recycling initiative in partnership with local churches, marking a new chapter in community-driven environmental stewardship. The programme was officially introduced at Zhu En Methodist Church, Batu Kawah, on 18 June 2026.
The initiative, known as the Recycling Programme with Houses of Worship, involves three participating churches: Zhu En Methodist Church, Sungai Maong Methodist Church, and Siong Tau Methodist Church.
It represents MPP’s pioneering collaboration with faith-based organisations to promote sustainable living and responsible waste management.
Through this programme, MPP aims to encourage church members and surrounding communities to adopt the 5R principles – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle.
By instilling these practices, the council hopes to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
During the launch ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between MPP and the three churches.
As part of the agreement, MPP provided recycling bins to support the initiative, ensuring that participants have the necessary infrastructure to begin their efforts.
MPP Chairman, Cr Tan Kai, expressed gratitude to the churches for their commitment to building a cleaner and greener Padawan.
He emphasised that the collaboration demonstrates how community organisations can play a vital role in advancing sustainability goals.
“This programme is not only about recycling but also about instilling values of care for the environment. It shows how faith-based organisations can lead by example in promoting sustainable living,” he said.
The event also saw the participation of Cr Ir Dr Jackie Sim Hui Hui, Chairman of MPP’s Smart and Green Sustainable City Standing Committee; Ir Ts Goh Thiam Ho, MPP Municipal Secretary; Rev Mok Ing Huat from Zhu En Methodist Church; Mr Steven Jong from Sungai Maong Methodist Church; and Mr Wee Poh Ngo from Siong Tau Methodist Church. Their presence highlighted the collective effort between civic leaders and religious institutions.
MPP hopes that the programme will serve as a model for future collaborations with other houses of worship and community organisations.
By expanding such partnerships, the council envisions a broader movement towards environmental stewardship across Padawan.
The launch reflects Sarawak’s growing emphasis on sustainability, aligning with state-level initiatives to reduce waste and promote green practices.
With churches now actively involved, the programme is expected to strengthen community participation and inspire more residents to embrace eco-friendly habits.
