Innovative face mask from Ranau students wins international competitions

KOTA KINABALU: A primary school from Ranau has been gaining international recognition through winning virtual competitions with their innovative face mask.

The Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kirokot team represented by Areha Heavenea Azri, 11, and Jetty Lorrend, 12, have won three gold medals out of the seven innovation virtual contests since May 31.

They came out tops while representing the country through the Malaysian Innovation, Invention and Creativity Association (MIICA) for the World Youth Invention and Innovation Award hosted by Indonesia on Aug 19, the Organization for Creativity, Innovation and Invention Promotion (OCIIP) competition hosted by Nigeria on Sept 3 and the Virtual Innovation Competition hosted by Malaysia on Sept 20.

The duo also won two bronze medals and two silver medals in the other competitions they participated in.

Teacher Hallsen Justin, who supervised the team, said they came up with the idea of recycling plastic bottles as the frame for the face mask to be used with fabric to reduce Covid-19 pandemic related waste.

"This is to replace the existing disposable face masks, this is washable and reusable and is also cost-effective in the long run," Hallsen added.

Meanwhile, Ranau education officer Majus Munsing applauded the school for bringing glory to the district.

"Both girls also did well in presenting their project in the English language, and we are proud that the new norm of education did not stop SK Kirokot from continuing to achieve successes. I hope this will inspire other schools, not only in Ranau but the rest of the country," Majus said.