KUALA NERUS – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has embraced the global zero waste initiative by organising a Zero Waste Market in conjunction with the university’s Sustainability Day celebration.

International Zero Waste Day, proposed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, aims to strengthen global waste management and promote more sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

According to UNEP data, between 2.1 and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated annually, and this figure is expected to reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050 if no immediate action is taken.

In line with this call to action, UMT’s Sustainability Day 2025 carried the theme “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles”, which highlighted the need to reduce waste in the fashion and textile sectors, considered among the leading contributors to global pollution. The event also promoted the concept of a circular economy and sustainability within the industry.

The Zero Waste Market, organised by UMT’s Centre for Sustainable Management (PPL) under the theme “Caring for Nature, Caring for the Future”, received enthusiastic support from the university community.

The one-day programme began as early as 8.00 a.m. and featured various engaging activities, including a Car Boot Sale, Flea Market, and Trash to Cash.

According to Associate Professor Dr Chia Poh Wai, Head of UMT’s Centre for Sustainable Management, the programme was not merely a platform for buying and selling new and second-hand goods, but also aimed to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and to encourage waste reduction among students and the wider campus community.

As a symbolic gesture of UMT’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the university also presented its Climate Action Plan to three key partners, namely Everlantern Sdn. Bhd., SWCorp Sdn. Bhd., and the Department of Environment. These three organisations have provided various forms of support, including technical expertise, material contributions, and moral encouragement.

“The Zero Waste Market serves as evidence of UMT’s collective effort to strengthen a culture of sustainability, while contributing to national and global environmental agendas. We hope initiatives like this will be continued and broadened for the benefit of all,” he said.

The event not only reflects UMT’s commitment to educating the campus community on the importance of sustainability, but also reinforces the role of higher education institutions as agents of change in addressing today’s environmental challenges.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu