Launch of E-Booklet “Wira Tindakan Iklim” – Inspiring Students to Become Climate Action Heroes
JOHOR BAHRU, July 21 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), with full support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has officially launched the Wira Tindakan Iklim e-booklet. This digital resource aims to empower students to become real-life climate heroes.
The initiative is part of the Iskandar Malaysia Eco-Life Challenge (IMELC), which will be implemented in 2025 with the support of the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), SWM Environment Sdn. Bhd., and Ranhill SAJ Sdn. Bhd. as main partners, along with Segamat Municipal Council and Heng Hiap Industries as supporting partners.
Since its inception in 2013, IMELC has evolved from a school-based competition into a statewide sustainability education program involving 909 primary schools in Johor. From 2015 to 2024, IMELC initiatives have collectively reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 11.5 million kilograms (kgCO₂), saved RM15.2 million in resources, and inspired 500,000 students to adopt low-carbon lifestyles. This program also aligns with the vision of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) by nurturing green talent in strategic sectors such as the green economy, renewable energy, and sustainable waste management.
The launch ceremony was officiated by Tn. Hj. Mohd Hanafi Samad, Director of the Johor State Education Department; Kamisah Mohd Ghazali, Head of Resilient Environment at IRDA; and Prof. Dr. Fatin Aliah Phang Abdullah, Co-Founder of the Iskandar Malaysia Eco-Life Challenge (IMELC) and a member of the UTM academic staff.
The Wira Tindakan Iklim e-booklet provides clear explanations of climate change, the greenhouse effect, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also includes strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation, along with hands-on activities such as school gardening, composting, and waste management. The booklet features inspiring stories from students and special sections for students to write their own slogans, missions, and climate action pledges.
Nasha Lee, Climate and Environment Specialist at UNICEF Malaysia, praised the initiative, stating, “This booklet is informative, attractive, and comprehensive. It is especially helpful for children, and even adults can learn from it too. UNICEF is proud to support the Wira Tindakan Iklim initiative—a booklet that inspires action while educating readers about the importance of protecting our planet. We hope many will benefit from it and put its ideas into practice.”
Tn. Hj. Mohd Hanafi Samad emphasized the booklet’s immediate value, saying, “This booklet serves as a practical guide that connects classroom learning with real-life environmental action. It enables teachers to incorporate sustainability into their everyday lessons and inspires students to make a difference in their schools, homes, and communities. We hope it will motivate our young generation to take active roles as environmental stewards, and we are proud to see Johor leading by example in preparing the next generation for a sustainable future.”
Prof. Dr. Fatin Aliah Phang emphasized the importance of empowering students through climate literacy:
“This e-booklet is more than just a teaching resource; it serves as a catalyst for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense of responsibility toward the planet among our students. By introducing concepts of climate action at an early stage, we are not only helping them understand the science behind environmental change but also equipping them with the mindset and skills necessary to contribute to a sustainable future.”
Kamisah Mohd Ghazali shared her thoughts on the booklet:
“Over the coming decades, these young learners will evolve into the innovators, policymakers, and community leaders who can drive low-carbon transitions and create resilient societies. Resources like this e-booklet are crucial not only for educating them but also for strategically shaping the human capital needed to achieve Malaysia’s sustainability targets and meet the region’s long-term climate commitments.”
The Wira Tindakan Iklim e-booklet aims to empower the next generation by blending knowledge, inspiration, and practical action steps. It helps young people not only to understand environmental issues but also to take meaningful actions for the future of our planet.
Led by Nina Diana Nawi, this e-booklet was developed through the collaborative efforts of UTM experts and field specialists, including Tn. Hj. Mohd Hanafi Samad, Prof. Dr. Fatin Aliah Phang Abdullah, Kamisah Mohd Ghazali, Sharifah Shahidah Syed Ahmad, Mohd Munir Hj. Baharom, Choo Hui Hong, Nor Hidayah Abd Radzaz, Aulia Aqila Saparuddin, Muhammad Ariff Mohamad Nizam, Nur’ain Balqis Haladin, Huszalina Hussin, Nasha Lee, Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham, Yap Soon Li, and Muhamad Asyraf Abdul Latiff.
The e-booklet was reviewed by Ir. Dr. Nor Eliza Alias, the Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, specifically for the chapter on Actions and Solutions to Reduce Urban Risk and Emissions. With their collective expertise in education, environmental sustainability, and community engagement, the Wira Tindakan Iklim e-booklet is both scientifically accurate and practically relevant for schools and communities.
