Sarawak shines in Petronas youth programme

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Team members of SMK Tatau celebrating their feat in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural ‘Petronas All About Youth’ (PAAY) social responsibility programme saw two schools from the state, SMK Lopeng Tengah of Miri and SMK Tatau of Bintulu placed in the top three, together with champion SMK Tengku Mizan of Dungun, Terengganu.

SMK Lopeng Tengah’s Adam Balan Andrew said his team worked on the ‘R-Oil’ project, which recycles used oil into soaps and candles.

“Our main objective is to create awareness of the importance of recycling for the environment and well-being of the people.

“Despite how small our contribution in the practice of recycling, it actually brings a huge impact on the environment.”

Jenickson Juan of SMK Tatau, on the other hand, said his team’s ‘Green Toilet’ project could save energy, water and electricity.

“Our project is related to the use of renewable energy and saving existing energy resources.

“Although we did not emerge champion, I’m still thrilled to having represented my state and made my school proud. I also hope that this project could be applied nationwide and would be able to help people save energy,” he said.

PAAY was initiated in September involving 1,200 Form Four students who were required to work on social responsibility projects in their respective areas.

Each school was given a fund of RM2,000 and only six weeks to complete the projects, to be judged based on creativity, clarity of presentation, impact, originality and viability.

Each state selected two top teams to compete in the finals on Nov 18-20.

For their feat, each SMK Lopeng Tengah team member received National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) of RM700 and prizes worth RM150, while their counterparts from SMK Tatau were presented with SSPN of RM500 and prizes worth RM100 each.

Education Ministry director-general Datuk Seri Dr Khir Mohamed Yusof presented the prizes, witnessed by Petronas senior general manager of group strategic communications, Liz Kamaruddin.