KAJANG, June 5 – Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally, with millions of tons of plastic waste infiltrating oceans and landfills each year. This pollution significantly harms wildlife and human health. Recognizing the need to educate the younger generation about this critical issue, the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ION2) of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) recently organized the "Knowledge Transfer Program: Plastics and Recycling Methods among School Students" at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kajang Utama.
This initiative part of the activities under the Knowledge Transfer Grant Scheme (KTGS@ION2), was spearheaded by Prof. Associate ChM. Dr. Norizah Abdul Rahman, an NPTL Associate Researcher and lecturer at UPMs Faculty of Science. Key contributors included Prof. Assoc. Ir. Ts. Dr. Siti Hajar Othman, Head of the NPTL Laboratory, Dr. Umer Rashid, ION2 Research Fellow, Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap, Faculty of Science lecturer, alongside other dedicated ION2 staff. The program at SMK Kajang Utama was coordinated by Teacher Marziana Mohamad Aris. The primary goal of this program is to enhance students awareness and understanding of plastic usage and the severe pollution resulting from improper plastic waste management. The program also aims to promote recycling practices among students. Interactive sessions like "Know Plastics," "Finding Microplastics," and the "Sort Your Waste" game were among the highlights, emphasizing the principles of Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle (3R).

Date of Input: 12/12/2025 | Updated: 12/12/2025 | nurul