GEORGE TOWN: Despite having only 135 pupils, SJK(T) Ramathasar in Jalan Sungai collected 1.5 tonnes of used cooking oil, winning the primary and overall categories of the 2nd Used Cooking Oil (UCO) collection competition.
The school received a certificate, a RM3,000 Setel voucher and a challenge trophy for being the overall champion.
Headmaster T. Vinod attributed the victory to the unwavering weekly support of teachers, staff members and parents in the collection drive, which had strengthened environmental awareness among pupils.
He said each pupil also took the mission seriously by reaching out to their communities to stress the importance of recycling used cooking oil.
“We plan to expand our recycling initiatives by encouraging more households in surrounding areas to participate in future programmes,” he said.
The competition saw over 11.6 tonnes of UCO collected over two months, which will be converted into green jet fuel.
A total of 47 primary schools and 16 secondary schools took part in the competition, organised by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB).
SMK Pendidikan Khas Persekutuan in Tanjung Bungah won the secondary school category, having collected 258kg of UCO.
Coordinating teacher Neoh Way Sze said the school was second place last year.
She credited the local community and nearby coffee shop operators who helped gather and hand over the used oil.
Despite living in a hostel, the students were highly cooperative, she added.
“Whenever we need help collecting the used oil, they are always willing to assist,” she said, noting that the school has set up a dedicated room as a UCO collection station.
PDB head of sustainability Nadjme Yusof said UCO can be recycled and converted into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“This is a clean energy transition that supports our national low-carbon agenda,” he said, adding that PETRONAS is developing a SAF refinery in Pengerang, Johor.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the ongoing initiative supports the Penang government’s aspiration to strengthen waste separation at the source and safeguard the environment.
“If UCO is not properly managed, it can pose risks to the environment and public health.
“One litre of used oil has the potential to contaminate up to one million litres of clean water,” he said.
Rajendran added that what was once considered waste has now become a valuable resource.
“Recycling used cooking oil not only provides an opportunity for additional income.
“It also allows the public to play their part in protecting and sustaining the environment,” he said.
