UPM Educates Community on Plastic Pollution Through World Environment Day 2025 Celebration
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) organized a World Environment Day 2025 celebration yesterday to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation, focusing specifically on plastic pollution issues affecting Malaysia and the world.
Key Details
The event, held in Serdang on June 25, carried the theme “Combat Plastic Pollution” to emphasize the growing concerns about plastic contamination globally. The celebration aimed to increase public awareness of environmental issues and encourage active participation from campus communities in protecting the environment.
As part of the commemoration, the RePlastic Nation competition was won by the Welfare and Social Club from the Corporate Strategy and Relations Center with their theme “Lost Serenity in the Blue Ocean.”
According to participant representative Nur Aqielah Fausi, the theme selection was based on plastic pollution in oceans that seriously impacts human health. The winning entry featured a leatherback turtle sculpture made from collected recycled materials, chosen because the species represents the world’s oldest and largest turtle.
Quotes & Reactions
“Recent research shows the presence of microplastics in food and beverages as well as in human bodies, a worrying phenomenon because continuous exposure to these pollutants can have negative effects on human health,” said Prof. Dr. Azlizam Aziz, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment.
Prof. Dr. Azlizam emphasized that “UPM is responsible not only for delivering knowledge, but also for shaping sustainable attitudes and culture among campus residents and the wider community.”
Selangor State Department of Environment Director Tuan Haji Wandi Yadzid Haji Yaakob noted that plastic pollution has penetrated all aspects of life due to inefficient waste management and widespread use of single-use plastics.
“Change will not happen overnight but with consistent small steps such as bringing your own food containers or supporting green policies can create a big impact,” he said.
Background & Context
The World Environment Day celebration represents UPM’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and community engagement. The university has been actively promoting sustainable practices among students and the broader Malaysian community through various environmental initiatives and plastic pollution awareness programs.
Microplastic contamination has become a significant environmental and health concern, with research showing these particles now present in human food chains and bodies, raising questions about long-term health impacts from continued exposure to plastic pollutants.
