adminSEPANG: Malaysia has become the first country in ASEAN and Asia to be recognised by ASEAN Records and Asia Records for its sculpture initiative from recycled materials across the country.
The project, implemented by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), features 45 sculptures, mostly made from recycled materials, and installed in several states including Johor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Kedah, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
Managing Director of ASEAN Records and Asia Records, Gillian Ooi, said the initiative was unique in raising public awareness on sustainable waste management, thus showing that solid waste can provide high returns when processed creatively.
“This project shows that recycled materials can be transformed into something interesting. It also helps educate people that what we throw away can be reused in creative ways,” he said.
Ooi said this when met by reporters after the recognition ceremony for the two awards here, yesterday.
The record is the ‘Largest Single-Programme Multi-State Outdoor Recycled Sculpture Installation by a Government Agency’, which involved the installation of 45 sculptures in eight states over a six-month period.
Each sculpture contains between 60 to 100 percent recycled materials, exceeding the minimum requirement of 50 percent to gain record recognition.
The sculptures come in various sizes and are placed in public areas and tourist spots to attract visitors and raise awareness of the environment.
Ooi explained that based on their research, no other country in ASEAN or across Asia has implemented such a national-scale effort led by a government agency, combining public art, sustainability, and tourism.
“This recognition of Malaysia’s initiative highlights the country’s commitment to sustainability and good environmental, social and governance practices,” he said.
Using a ‘waste to art’ strategy, SWCorp’s initiative combines public art with environmental education to beautify the landscape and reduce reliance on landfills.
Meanwhile, SWCorp Chief Executive Officer Khalid Mohamed said the “One Sculpture, One Office” initiative, which was launched in June 2025, aims to change the public’s perception that solid waste is worthless, instead it shows that waste can be transformed into valuable art through creative skills.
— BERNAMA
