Zero Waste Campaign in Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara
 Stronger together - The RiverWatch Zero Waste Campaign unites organizers, local leaders, and the Kayu Ara community for a cleaner, greener future |
On 23rd August 2025, Monash University Malaysia joined forces with Universiti Malaya in launching a community-research initiative at Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, Petaling Jaya, to raise awareness on river conservation and sustainable living.
The initiative, titled RiverWatch: Unveiling Water Health & Tackling Trash at Sg. Kayu Ara, is a collaborative effort with the Petaling Jaya City Council (Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, MBPJ); and led by Dr Faddrine Jang together with co-Project Leader Dr Michelle Yap from the School of Science. It represents a long-term effort to engage with local communities in protecting and revitalizing urban waterways.
 Project Leader Dr. Faddrine Jang introducing RiverWatch and stressing the importance of safeguarding our waterways |
The initiative kicked off with Zero Waste Campaign, which marked the beginning of a series of workshops and community activities. Highlights include a Biocomposting Workshop, where residents learned practical and cost-effective methods to compost household waste using common, everyday materials. This was complemented by the Zero Waste Market, an engaging initiative designed to promote a culture of recycling, reducing, and reusing within the community.
 Guest consultant Mdm Mairuz from Universiti Malaya Zero Waste Campaign (UM ZWC) demonstrating step-by-step biocomposting techniques to the community |  The organizing committee distributed biocomposting starter kits to participants to support continued learning, an incentive to begin small but impactful sustainability practices at home |
 Community participants trying out biocomposting firsthand using their own household waste |  At the Zero Waste Market, residents traded their recyclables from home which included plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and paper for pre-loved materials |
The event drew wide participation from diverse stakeholders - including representatives from ADUN Selangor, MBPJ officials, community leaders, and residents of Flat Kayu Ara. Their strong engagement and enthusiasm showcased the shared commitment towards cleaner rivers and a more sustainable community.
Beyond its immediate impact, this initiative reflects the vital role of researchers in bridging science with society, ensuring that academic expertise translates into tangible benefits for communities and the environment. RiverWatch not only raises awareness but also empowers local communities to become active custodians of their rivers thus contributing meaningfully to both environmental sustainability and community resilience.