BY Aida Aziz
IPOH — Perak can take inspiration from the ‘Kampung Edukasi Sampah’ in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, as a model for tackling environmental issues through a structured, community-based approach.
A recent visit to Kampung Edukasi Sampah (KES) in RT 23 RW 07, East Java, provided valuable insights and knowledge on systematic waste management practices.
The initiative does not rely solely on the government but actively involves the local community through neighbourhood-level participation to achieve effective results.
Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the state government could adopt or adapt similar ideas in implementing such an approach locally.
“The village is managed by residents through a community structure, similar to the role played by Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK) in Malaysia.
“It focuses on waste management education, recycling practices, community economic generation and environmental awareness from the grassroots level.
“This approach shows that a smart environment cannot depend solely on the government but requires active participation from the people as drivers of change,” she said.
The visit was organised by the Tanjong Malim District Council (MDTM), which also toured other locations, including the 112 Command Centre Surabaya, Surabaya City Hall and Kampung Lawas Maspati.
Meanwhile, MDTM secretary Roslan Kamaruzaman, who was also part of the delegation, expressed hope that the Muallim district would be able to implement similar ideas for the well-being of its residents.
“We gained a lot of knowledge from visiting KES. Perhaps councillors or state executive council members can implement something similar or even better in Perak in the future.
“Once we have successfully implemented such initiatives, we can invite representatives from KES to Perak,” he said.
The village concept centres on embedding environmental management practices starting at the community level.
