The Kuala Sala Coastal Cleanup Program

The Kuala Sala Coastal Cleanup Program, held in Kuala Sala, Kedah on 7 February 2026, successfully brought together nearly 120 participants, including members of the local community, volunteers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and representatives from higher education institutions. The program reflects a shared commitment among various stakeholders to strengthen environmental conservation efforts and support the sustainability of the local community.

Organized by the UKM-YSD Sustainability Chair, the program began with advocacy and awareness sessions aimed at enhancing community knowledge on climate change, waste management, plastic pollution, and the importance of beaches as natural buffers. Participants then took part in hands-on coastal cleanup activities, collecting solid waste along the shoreline to protect marine ecosystems and raise awareness about the environmental impacts of pollution.

The program concluded with a recycling initiative, which received an encouraging response from the local community. A total of 302.4 kilograms of recyclable waste was collected and sold to E-Idaman Sdn. Bhd., demonstrating the potential for circular economy practices at the community level. The event also received strong support from various parties, including attendance by a Deputy Executive Director (Sustainability) from the UKM Strategy Centre and an opening address by YB Dr. Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi, Member of Parliament for Kuala Kedah.

Overall, the program demonstrated that a combination of advocacy, direct action, and recycling practices can foster a more responsible and sustainable community, in line with Sustainable Development Goals SDG 11, SDG 13, and SDG 14.