BINTULU: The Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R) concept has to be implemented for sustainable development, said Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

Bintulu for instance should embrace the 3R concept as the town is growing rapidly with various heavy industries, he said in his text of speech at the prize presentation ceremony for the 3R Inspiring Innovation & Music with Nature 2015 competition here yesterday.

His text of speech was read by Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Promotion of Technical Education) and Assistant Minister of Environment Datu Len Taliff Salleh.

“The 3R is not a new thing – few of us do it at home, and few people are aware, understand and exercise it,” Awang Tengah said.

“A sustainable approach is critical for strategic policies especially on environmental management.”

All parties should respect nature and make the 3R a way of life and part of our culture, he pointed out.

The competition was organised by Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) via its subsidiary Asean Bintulu Fertilizer (ABF) to promote environmental awareness among the public.

More than 800 participants created useful items and perform musical performances using instruments made from recycled materials.

The competition was divided into two categories – children and young working adults.

The Inspiring Innovation category was open to primary and secondary students as well as institutions of higher learning.

The Music with Nature category saw participation from secondary school students, the public and private higher learning institutes as well as representatives from government agencies and the private sector.

ABF managing director and chief executive officer M Zainol Mohd Zin said the competition, one of PCG’s corporate social responsibility activities, aimed to enhance awareness of 3R among the public.

Started in 2009, the competition was held in collaboration with the Natural Resources and Environment Board, Bintulu Development Authority and Bintulu District Education Office.

Laku Team from Laku Management Sdn Bhd won the Music with Nature (higher learning institution/ government agency and private sector) category. They received RM1,000, a trophy and certificate.

Second and third places went to IPG Sarawak Miri campus and MLNG Petro Akustika that walked away with RM900 and RM800 respectively, trophy and certificates.

SMK Sebauh won in the secondary school category and received RM1,000, a trophy and certificates.

SMK Tatau and Bintulu Vocational College in second and third places took RM900 and RM800 respectively with a trophy and certificate each.

In the 3R Inspiring Innovation for IPT category, Adtec Bintulu was in first place with RM800, a trophy and certificate.

Second and third places went to Open University Malaysia Miri campus and Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu campus respectively that received RM700 and RM600 with a trophy and certificate each. Secondary school winner Bintulu Vocational College received RM700, a trophy and certificate.

SMK Sebauh and  SMK Kidurong in second and third places received RM600 and RM500 respectively with trophy and certificates.

In the primary school category SJK Chung Hua was champion and received RM500, a trophy and certificate.
Second placed was SK Kpg Jepak (RM400, trophy and certificate) while third place went to SK Sebauh (RM300, trophy and certificate).