Mohamad Dziauddin (fourth from left) giving out the TASKAL certs to school representatives at a ceremony held in Bayan Lepas. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Collecting unwanted items and then selling or repurposing for decor is how 52 schools in Penang achieved a School Transformation Towards Sustainability Programme (Taskal) five-star rating.
Speaking on the hands-on commitment to sustainability, SJK(C) Lee Chee headmaster Ooi Choong Lee said it would not have been possible without the joint effort of pupils, teachers and parents.
“Parents will pass items they no longer want and their children will take them to school,” he said.
Once the items are sold, the money is added to the school’s kitty, Ooi said during the Taskal 2025 Appreciation Ceremony at Balai Rakyat Bayan Baru in Bayan Lepas.
“We give the children the opportunity to manage the programme and at the end of the year, we award trophies based on their efforts.”
He said the school in Tasek Gelugor had 167 pupils and 16 teachers and staff.
SMK Convent Butterworth senior assistant (student affairs) Norazlina Baharom said she was overjoyed at the achievement.
“Competitions like this instil positive values among our students, encouraging them to love the planet and care for the environment.”
She said the school frequently carried out programmes focused on recycling and upcycling.
Items such as paper and drink cartons are collected at designated points and sold, while some are transformed into creative products like containers, decorative flowers and ornaments.
“The students work together with teachers to create these products,” she said.
SJK(T) Ladang Sempah, with just 85 pupils, was also given top ranking.
Coordinator teacher N. Rukumani attributed the success to the tireless work of pupils and teachers.
She said recycling, upcycling and art competitions at the school encouraged active participation.
Such programmes were designed to inspire the pupils to think critically about resource use and environmental impact, she added.
Taskal was started by the state Education Department, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Penang Green Council and Green Educators Workgroup.
A total of 396 schools participated, with five stars awarded to 52 schools, four stars to 82, three (64), two (83) and one (115).
Present during the event were Penang education director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad and Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
In his speech, Mohamad Dziauddin said he was extremely proud of the achievement of the schools as it reflected a strong commitment to sustainability.
“The Taskal programme was established not just as a short-term campaign but to strengthen waste segregation and cultivate environmental responsibility among students and teachers,” he said.
“It aligns with the government’s aim to foster a generation that understands the concept of sustainability through a whole school approach.” — By IMRAN HILMY
