Johor Bahru, 21 February 2023

DID you know that 70% of Malaysians use more water than they should be using daily?

Malaysia is one of the top water consumers in the region, with 266 litres used per person per day compared to Singapore, where an average citizen uses 155 litres of water daily.

The Thais are known to use just 90 litres of water per capita a day.

For SK Taman Suria pupil Farhan Haaziq Abdul Fattah, such information found at the newly established Sustainable Corner in the Sultan Ismail Library is an eye-opener on Malaysians’ everyday habits.

“We often take our resources for granted, which is harmful to the environment.

“After going through the exhibition, I aim to be more careful about my habits and will try to conserve water and electricity at home,” he said.

Farhan added that his school was practising recycling every Thursday to promote green habits among the pupils and he would usually collect recyclables such as clothes, paper and ewaste at home for the purpose.

Another Year Six pupil, Chun Hwee Ern from SJK (C) Foon Yew 2, said she was shocked by some of the information displayed, including how it would take 450 years for a disposable diaper to biodegrade in a landfill.

“I gained a lot of knowledge about environmental conservation from the exhibition, which I will go back and share with my family and classmates in hopes of getting them to live a more environmentally- friendly lifestyle.

“I am the vice-president of my school’s Eco Rangers Club, where we actively participate in recycling activities and spread awareness about green habits.

“I look forward to contributing more ideas with the new information gained here,” Hwee Ern added.

The Sustainability Corner project, launched by Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman, stemmed from the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Kyoto City Hall in 2021.

Mohd Noorazam said Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) had been looking to the Japanese city of Kyoto for sustainability ideas and green technology applications as MBJB strove towards a smart city status.

“Japan, specifically Kyoto, is known for its concept of low-carbon lifestyle, sustainability and environmental awareness.

“Since signing the MOU in 2021, we have collaborated in various aspects, including establishing the Sustainability Corner project to intensify efforts towards realising the ecological and sustainability agenda within Johor Baru.

“The goal of the project is to develop and nurture future green champions to lead in environmental conservation and awareness within the community and to share lessons learned from Kyoto city to other local governments, agencies, private sectors and communities in Johor.

“We hope it can also promote networking among stakeholders in the areas of sustainability,” he added.

Mohd Noorazam said the Education Department had been roped in to involve schools, students and parents to emphasise on the importance of environmental conservation.

The Sustainability Corner exhibition at the Sultan Ismail Library in Jalan Datin Halimah, Larkin, is open to the public. Entry is free.

The library’s operation hours are from 10am to 5pm daily.