FKJ Strengthens Coastal Conservation Through CEC-Led Beach Clean-Up at ODEC Beach

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Published: 29 Apr 2026

KOTA KINABALU, 19 April 2026 – The Faculty of Engineering (FKJ), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), continued to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability through a beach clean-up initiative led by the Civil Engineering Club (CEC) at ODEC Beach, UMS. The programme was organised under the leadership of Programme Director Nurin Syazwana binti Muslihin and CEC President Meloney Diva binti Patrick, in collaboration with EcoCampus, Trash Hero, Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) and UMS Beach Club. Approximately 140 participants took part in the programme, including representatives from PMFKJ, IEM UMS Student Section, IEEE UMS Student Branch, UMS residential colleges, PALAPES UMS, collaborating organisations and members of the public.

The programme commenced with an opening address by Ts. Dr. Siti Nor Farhana Zakaria, Deputy Director of EcoCampus under the Centre for Strategic Management. She highlighted the importance of sustained collective action and cooperation in protecting the environment. An environmental awareness session was subsequently delivered by Puan Zurainee from Trash Hero, focusing on sustainable waste management and the long-term impacts of marine pollution. A total of 317.5 kg of waste was collected during the beach clean-up. In addition, approximately 54 kg of recyclable materials were gathered through the Waste-to-Cash initiative conducted in collaboration with DBKK, demonstrating how waste separation and recycling can complement coastal conservation efforts. The programme also served as an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) activity by providing students with practical exposure to environmental management, community engagement and responsible waste practices.

The initiative supports SDG 4: Quality Education , SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 14: Life Below Water. Through this initiative, FKJ continues to encourage student-led environmental action while strengthening partnerships for a cleaner and more sustainable campus and coastal environment.

Written by: Ts. Dr. Siti Nor Farhana Zakaria

Key SDGs Supported
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 14: Life Below Water