“Sisa Sifar Demi Alam Sekitar”, or the Compost Initiative, is a waste management programme aimed at reducing food waste by means of composting. With the assistance of Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai (MPSP) as well as Dr. Che Zalina of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), our composting initiative aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics in Permatang Pauh. 

Our composting hub can be found at our centre in Yayasan Aman. The compost produced is used as a rich growing medium by Permatang Pauh farmers to boost the overall fertility of their soil, and it is also distributed free of charge to visitors.

This initiative helps us manage the sizable amounts of food waste produced by the events held regularly at Yayasan Aman. Additionally, an Environmental Rebate is offered to event organisers for adhering to our composting rules when they host an event at our premises. 

Countless studies have detailed the benefits of composting on our environment. Examples of these benefits include reducing waste that goes to landfill, limiting the release of greenhouse gases and enriching our soil.

According to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Municipal Solid Waste Initiative, Penang produces approximately 2,200 tonnes of waste every day. The state’s main landfill in Pulau Burung is expected to be completely full by 2028. Here, approximately 11,100 tonnes of methane and leachate is produced a year from the decomposition of organic matter. Leachate pollutes nearby land and waterways, and methane emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change.

With these grim statistics in mind, our composting initiative was launched to foster ‘zero waste’ mindsets, starting with the visitors of Yayasan Aman.

• Cuts food waste from events held at Yayasan Aman (eg: weddings, talks, gatherings)
• Reduces the waste that goes to landfill
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of Yayasan Aman
• Spreads awareness among the local population about the importance of waste reduction and composting
• To date, over 2000 people have participated in composting exercise and over 20 farmers have received fresh compost produced