SARIKEI – The Sarikei District Council (MDS) is set to host its Car Free Morning (Low Carbon Day 3.0) on 15 November, continuing efforts to encourage sustainable living and reduce reliance on motor vehicles.
The initiative is designed to highlight the importance of lowering carbon emissions while promoting healthier lifestyle choices among residents.
According to MDS Chairman, Councillor Stephen Wong Kie Yong, the programme reflects the council’s long-term vision of transforming Sarikei into a low-carbon township.
“Through the various activities planned, we hope the community will become more conscious of climate change issues and play their part in turning Sarikei into a low-carbon city,” he said.
The event will feature several community-focused activities, including the Used Cooking Oil Collection Campaign, Hari Bersama Pelanggan, and the interactive ‘Misi Sarikei Hijau’ game challenge.
These activities aim to combine environmental awareness with public participation, making sustainability both practical and engaging.
Registration for the programme opened on 18 October and will close on 8 November 2025. Participation is capped at 100 individuals, with a fee of RM20 per person.
The ‘Misi Sarikei Hijau’ challenge will take participants through six checkpoints across the town, including Dewan Suarah, Taman Merdeka, Doremart Pasar Borong, Terminal Satu, and Pasar Sentral. Both the starting and finishing points will be located at the MDS Office, with the activity scheduled between 7.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.
Meanwhile, the Used Cooking Oil Collection Campaign and Hari Bersama Pelanggan will take place at the MDS compound from 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring used cooking oil for recycling, a small but impactful step towards environmental conservation.
Councillor Wong emphasised that the programme is not only about reducing emissions, but also about instilling a stronger sense of responsibility among the community.
He expressed hope that the initiative will inspire residents to adopt more eco-friendly habits and reduce dependency on private vehicles.
The Car Free Morning aligns with broader sustainability goals across Sarawak, echoing similar initiatives in other districts such as Bintulu, where car-free events have been introduced to promote greener urban living.
Globally, such programmes are part of wider strategies to achieve net-zero carbon targets by 2050, as highlighted by international organisations advocating for climate action.
By combining environmental education with community activities, Sarikei’s Car Free Morning seeks to position the town as a model for sustainable urban development in Sarawak.
The council believes that small, consistent actions taken by residents can collectively contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future.
Sources: UKAS, Kuching King, Sarawak Daily
