BINTULU – The Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) have strengthened their collaboration to advance sustainable waste management in Bintulu, focusing on youth empowerment and community-based approaches as catalysts for behavioural change.
BDA Secretary Wan Ibrahim Wan Ali highlighted that the partnership was realised through the joint organisation of the Towards Zero Waste Program in Bintulu: Youth Environmental Empowerment 2026, alongside BDA’s role as lead partner in the Towards Zero Food Waste in Bintulu initiative with UPMS.
He emphasised that education and public awareness are critical foundations for building a responsible waste management culture before implementing comprehensive community-level solutions.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthen waste management practices in Bintulu, starting with awareness and education before moving on to practical community-based solutions,” Wan Ibrahim said during the program launch.
The event also marked the launch of the KitarNow application, developed by UPMS with support from BDA. The app integrates technology into sustainability efforts, serving as a practical tool to encourage positive behavioural changes and increase community involvement in recycling and systematic waste management.
Wan Ibrahim explained that KitarNow is more than a digital platform, it is designed to foster community participation and embed sustainable practices into daily life.
Professor Dr Shahrul Razid Sharbini, Campus Director of Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu (UPMKB), noted that the app reflects the university’s commitment to harnessing technological innovation for sustainability.
He added that KitarNow supports the concept of a circular economy, helping communities understand recycling practices and adopt more responsible waste management habits.
The program was attended by key stakeholders, including Dato Norhyati Mohd Ismail, Chairman of the Federation of Sarawak Women’s Associations (PPWS); Awgku Ali Udin Awang Adenani, Bintulu District Deputy Education Officer (Student Development Sector); Dr Syeed Saiful Azry Osman Al Edrus, Director of the Institute of Ecosystems Science Borneo; Associate Professor Dr Noorsasmah Saupi, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences UPMS; and Dr Keeren Sundara Rajoo, Program Director.
The collaboration between BDA and UPMS underscores Sarawak’s commitment to embedding sustainability into community life, combining education, technology and grassroots empowerment to achieve the vision of a Zero Waste Bintulu.
