ENVIRONMENTAL CARE: WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP EMPOWERMENT THROUGH PREPARATION OF SCENTED SOAP FROM USED COOKING OIL IN THE ORPHANS COMMUNITY OF KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN
The ENVIRONMENTAL CARE program is an initiative of 3rd-year students of the Toxicology course (GTB319), School of Health Sciences, USM led by Brother Aiman Rusyaidi Bin Mohd Nor and guided by the course coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Dasuki Sul’ain. This program was carried out with the orphan community at Darul Kautsar Yatim, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan on 21 June 2025. The main objective is to foster environmental awareness and empower social entrepreneurship among orphans through recycling used cooking oil and improving communication skills among students of the USM toxicology course.

Used cooking oil is usually thrown into the drain, polluting the environment and affecting public health. Through this program, used oil is recycled into antibacterial scented soap, which is not only environmentally friendly, but can also be used for savings purposes and can be sold for additional income.

This program includes talks, multimedia presentations, hands-on soap-making activities, and product marketing workshops. In addition to benefiting the community, this program also provides exposure to students in applying toxicology knowledge in the field, improving soft skills such as communication and leadership, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. It also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as poverty reduction, good health, zero hunger and quality education. Overall, this program has a positive impact on the community, students and universities in their efforts to protect the environment and strengthen relationships between the community and higher education institutions such as USM.

SULAM Program Banner 2025: ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

The students (committee members & facilitators) attended a practical session on soap preparation with lecturers and laboratory staff.

Students of the GTB319 Toxicology course are excited to learn how to make soap from used oil in the laboratory at USM.

Introduction, familiarization and brainstorming session with facilitators appointed to the Sulam Program: ENVIRONMENTAL CARE.

Introduction talk session to the Sulam Program: ENVIRONMENTAL CARE from the deputy project director Mr. Putra Haikal Hakimi.

Careful monitoring from the facilitator to ensure that the soap produced is of good quality.

Focus with full interest and curiosity to know what the end result of the soap they make at Darul Kautsar Yatim.

Practical session (hands-on) on the preparation of scented soap by participants from Darul Kautsar orphanage under the supervision of facilitators, who are USM Toxicology students.

Product Packaging and Marketing Workshop from a guest lecturer from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (Dr. Siti Amaliya Mohd Radyi).

Photography session with the guest of honor (Dean of PPSK), lecturers, students (facilitators) and participants.