By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Environmentally Friendly School Programme (Serasi) has created a positive impact on schools across the state, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai.
“We can now see school environments that are harmonious, cheerful, clean, organised, and adopting green concepts,” she said.
Practices such as recycling, efficient energy use, the creation of various themed gardens, community engagement (outreach), and the integration of environmental aspects into school curricula and co-curricular activities, along with active parental involvement, have become synonymous with the Serasi programme, she added.
She said this during the Serasi Award Ceremony for the 2024/2025 session held at a hotel.
“I am very proud to note that the Serasi Programme, now in its 22nd year, has achieved significant success in enhancing environmental awareness and education in Sabah,” said Josie.
Several recognitions have been awarded to Serasi schools in Sabah at both national and international levels.
These include the Environmental Award (Sustainable School) organised by the Department of Environment Malaysia, awarded to SJKC Chi Hwa, Sandakan (2006); SJKC Cheng Ming, Keningau (2016); SK Lambidan, Kuala Penyu (2022); SJKC Tai Tong, Sandakan (2024); and SM St Patrick, Tawau (2024).
The Japan Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Award, organised by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and UNESCO, was awarded to SM St Patrick, Tawau (2018).
The ASEAN Eco Schools Award, organised by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was awarded to SM St Michael, Penampang, and SM St Patrick, Tawau (2023).
The Langkawi Award, organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, was presented to Puan Jennifer Asing, an Excellent Principal currently serving at SMK Limbanak, Penampang (2024).
Josie said this year the Serasi Student Award was also introduced to recognise the dedicated efforts of students in greening and beautifying their school environments.
“I believe that many more students are involved in these efforts, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all of them,” she said.
The Serasi Programme is a state initiative introduced in 2003. It serves as a form of recognition for schools in Sabah that practise environmental preservation and conservation activities.
“This initiative also incorporates the concept of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encourages innovation in environmental management to educate the younger generation on environmental protection,” said Josie.
The Serasi Awards Ceremony is held in conjunction with National Environment Day, which is celebrated annually on 21 October across the country.
Such programmes, she said, provide an important platform to strengthen the commitment of the State Government, private sector, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and the community in promoting a sustainable lifestyle and development.
