Circular Economy in Action: Members of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia Pasir Pekan Innovate with Recycled Soap

TUMPAT, KELANTAN, 01 NOVEMBER 2025 – The School of Health Sciences (PPSK), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with Pusat Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) Nur Fatehah 1 & 2 and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation (SWCorp) organized the "From Waste to Wealth" Programme at Pusat Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia Nur Fatehah 1 & 2, Kg. Paloh Chica, Tumpat, Kelantan.

The project, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), Social Innovation and Research Fund, was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Marwanis Anua and co-researchers Dr. Norhasmah Mohd Zain and Dr. Wan Nordiana W. Abd. Rahman. This programme was led by Nur Fatin Izyan Mohamad Helmi as program director and supported by committees of 10 undergraduate students, one industrial training student, USM staff, one lecturer from UKM and 2 lecturers from the School of Health Sciences, USM.

This program aims to increase knowledge, awareness and practical application of the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) among participants to implement waste management practices that promote environmental sustainability and universal health. This program was well received by the surrounding community and a total of 45 participants from Sahabat Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia Pasir Pekan Branch participated in this program.

This program features a series of engaging activities including a 3R awareness talk delivered by Mr Ashraff Kaharudin, Head of SWCorp Pahang Community Education Section, interactive quizzes, product marketing talks on effective promotional strategies. Participants also took part in a hands-on practical of soap making by using used cooking oil. Through this program, approximately 5kg of used cooking oil was used to produce 40-45 bars of bar soap and about 4.5litres of all-purpose liquid soap. Participants are also encouraged to commercialize the recycled soap to generate side income.