JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 18 – Food security is a topic of intense debate among academic experts, policymakers, and social media users today. In Malaysia, concerns about the nation’s preparedness for the global food production and supply crisis are rising due to chicken shortages, escalating vegetable prices, and the country’s high reliance on staple food imports.
Responding to this critical situation, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has joined forces with the Johor Bahru Correctional Center (Malaysian Correctional Facility) to introduce a food waste awareness course.
The primary objective of this workshop is to equip officials with the skills to create compost from food waste, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) global agenda.
Under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norahim Bin Ibrahim, the Principal of Tun Hussein Onn College (KTHO), and with the robust backing of the Merbauan Fellows Council (MAFAN), this initiative saw the active participation of seven assistant fellows, including the principal, and 29 prison officials.
Given that the residents of the correctional center are significant contributors to domestic waste, particularly food waste, this initiative holds promise for systematic waste management on campus. Simultaneously, it aligns with the principles of environmental sustainability.
Moreover, this project aims to serve as the primary reference center for training programs related to sustainable agricultural activities, incorporating the 4R concept (reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover).
This contribution aligns with Malaysia’s aspiration to become a low-carbon country, as outlined in the 12th Malaysian Plan (RMK-12). Industry collaboration, exemplified by partnerships with Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) and EMRO Malaysia Sdn Bhd, further fortifies the commitment to sustainability.
The event commenced with a theoretical presentation on solid waste management, covering topics such as fertilizers’ role, plant fortifiers’ production from food waste, the use of compost fertilizer, and a Q&A session on fertilizers and crops.
Through these knowledge-sharing activities, participants were sensitized to the significance of recycling practices at the domestic level as part of a collective effort to ensure environmental sustainability, impacting not only individuals but also ecosystems.
Indirectly, community programs like these create opportunities for UTM to establish cooperation networks with the external community. This collaboration is envisioned to continue, ensuring the legacy of environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, the large-scale implementation of a food waste composting protocol could alleviate Malaysia’s extreme dependence on imported staple foods.
This project addresses social issues like hunger and poverty and opens avenues for employment in sustainable agricultural technology and practices.
The far-reaching implications of UTM’s initiative extend beyond waste management, offering a holistic approach to societal and environmental challenges.