UUM Becomes First University to Launch Drive-Through Recycling Centre
SINTOK, 21 October – Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has proudly established itself as the pioneering university in Malaysia to introduce a ‘Drive Thru Recycle Centre’ (DTRC-UUM) on its campus.
Campus denizens can participate in this recycling activity and receive exciting rewards through the IdamanXchange applications, such as Boost and Touch & GO.
The Chairman of the University Board of Directors, Tan Sri Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Shukor Mahfar, highlighted the ‘Drive-Thru Recycle Centre (DTRC-UUM)’ as an excellent example of excellence, achieved through integrated actions that yield numerous benefits to nature.
“Over the course of 17 months, this initiative has enabled UUM DTRC to successfully prevent more than 61 tonnes of recyclable materials from reaching the landfill. This initiative has also resulted in the preservation of 366 trees, the conservation of 32.3 million gallons of water, the saving of 35,937 hours of electricity, the reduction of 3,417 gallons of oil consumption, and a significant contribution of RM37,390 to the local community.
The concept may seem simple, but it has had a significant impact. This illustrates that every action, no matter how small, contributes significantly to sustainability.
“Our objective for this conference is to create a widespread and long-lasting wave of change. We anticipate that universities across the country will commit to making sustainability a fundamental practice and integral part of their mission,” he said.
As global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality intensify, higher education institutions must take proactive steps, serving not only as educators but also as agents of change.
He urged all participants to recognise the significance and contribution of each university in empowering sustainability officers to nurture and cultivate sustainability practices within their universities.
“Understanding between all universities is a key component in the pursuit of transformative changes that prioritise cooperation over competition.
“The time has arrived for us to unite and collaborate in creating a new environment where students, academics, researchers, and industry professionals work together to realise sustainability goals.
“I anticipate that a conference of this calibre will not only establish a robust platform for knowledge exchange but also play a pivotal role in influencing the country’s policies regarding long-term sustainability efforts.”
He said this when officiating the 2024 Higher Education Institution Sustainability Summit, witnessed by the UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, and Chief Executive Officer, E-Idaman Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Zaki Abdul Aziz M.H. David.
He also launched the UUM Living Campus Blueprint boo, a strategic framework meticulously designed to ensure UUM’s preparedness for embracing a sustainable higher education landscape.
“Congratulations and well done to UUM for being the inaugural host of this summit. My gratitude also goes to Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) for being a partner of this conference,” he said.
The event successfully brought together 12 public universities throughout Malaysia, striving towards the common goal of fostering a sustainable future.
A total of 17 best practices will be showcased for sharing, learning, adaptation, and development, aimed at propelling sustainability efforts across their respective campuses.