In a meaningful effort to foster environmental sustainability and community empowerment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through the Faculty of Science has once again demonstrated its commitment to impactful knowledge transfer. Under the UTM KTP@Faculty banner, Dr. Mira Binti Panadi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biosciences, led a transformative community-based project titled “Transformation of Taman Ilmu Kampung Pasir Tampoi Through Compost-Based Ornamental and Herbal Plant Cultivation.”
The project was carried out at an underutilized garden area in Jalan Langsat, Kampung Pasir Tampoi — a space that had long remained idle despite its close proximity to the Community Reading Kiosk. Recognizing the site’s untapped potential, the project aimed to transform it into a productive and educational green zone through active collaboration with the local community and support from local authorities, including Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB) representatives and community leaders.
The heart of the project focused on two major interventions: the first was a Community Eco-Compost Program, conducted on 12 October 2024, which provided hands-on training for residents of Kampung Pasir. Participants were taught how to convert everyday kitchen waste — such as fruit peels, vegetable scraps, dried leaves, and tea grounds — into nutrient-rich compost. This session, which involved 26 local residents and 40 UTM student volunteers from Kelab Siswa Aktif, emphasized not only the science behind composting but also its potential to reduce household waste and regenerate soil quality naturally. Participants gained direct experience in layering organic matter, managing composting conditions such as temperature, humidity, and pH, and understanding the role of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Following this, on 19 October 2024, the second core activity — the Planting Day — took place. The transformed compost was then used to support the planting of herbs and vegetables including coriander, chili, round eggplant, calamansi lime, black turmeric, pumpkin, and kesum. Over 70 individuals, including both students and local residents, participated in this collaborative planting effort, turning the once-neglected garden into a vibrant, living classroom.
The impact of this project has been profound and measurable. A pre- and post-program survey indicated a significant increase in community awareness and behavioral change. Prior to the program, most participants had little to no understanding of composting, and waste segregation was minimal in their households. However, after the program, 100% of the participants reported new knowledge and understanding about compost and its benefits, with many indicating they had started to apply composting methods at home. The project contributed to a remarkable 70–100% improvement in environmental literacy, a testament to the power of science-based community engagement.
Beyond technical knowledge, the project helped strengthen social cohesion, fostered a sense of ownership among residents, and empowered them with tools for sustainable living. For the student volunteers, the initiative served as an invaluable experiential learning platform, reinforcing the value of service learning and social responsibility.
The program concluded with a certificate ceremony, acknowledging the dedication and participation of all involved. This initiative not only brought greenery back to Kampung Pasir Tampoi but also planted seeds of environmental stewardship and lifelong learning in the hearts of its residents.
For more highlights on impactful community and research-driven initiatives, visit UTM Faculty of Science Research Highlights.
Program Pemindahan Ilmu UTM Perkasa Komuniti Kampung Pasir Tampoi melalui Projek Kebun Komuniti Berasaskan Kompos
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) menerusi Fakulti Sains terus memperkukuh peranannya dalam menyumbang kepada pembangunan komuniti dan kelestarian alam sekitar menerusi program KTP@Faculty. Salah satu inisiatif terkini yang menonjol ialah projek bertajuk “Transformasi Taman Ilmu Kampung Pasir Tampoi melalui Penanaman Pokok Hiasan dan Herba Berasaskan Kompos” yang diketuai oleh Dr. Mira Binti Panadi, Pensyarah Kanan dari Jabatan Biosains.
Projek ini dilaksanakan di kawasan kebun terbiar di Jalan Langsat, Kampung Pasir Tampoi, bersebelahan dengan Kios Bacaan Komuniti. Walaupun kawasan ini telah lama tidak diusahakan, ia sebenarnya mempunyai potensi besar untuk dimanfaatkan sebagai ruang hijau yang produktif. Melalui kerjasama erat dengan wakil komuniti seperti Cik Hajah Nor Akmal Binti Muhammad, Ahli Majlis Zon Tampoi MBJB dan Cikgu Abbas, wakil penduduk tempatan, projek ini digerakkan dengan pendekatan menyeluruh yang melibatkan pendidikan, pemulihan alam sekitar dan pembangunan komuniti.
Projek ini bermula dengan penganjuran Program Ecokompos Komuniti pada 12 Oktober 2024. Seramai 26 penduduk Kampung Pasir bersama 40 pelajar sukarelawan UTM dari Kelab Siswa Aktif telah diberi latihan tentang kaedah memproses sisa dapur seperti kulit buah, sisa sayur, daun kering dan serbuk teh menjadi kompos organik yang berkualiti. Peserta bukan sahaja didedahkan kepada teori asas pengkomposan, malah mereka turut menjalani latihan praktikal tentang susunan bahan, kawalan suhu, kelembapan dan tahap keasidan (pH) bagi memastikan kompos yang terhasil benar-benar menyuburkan tanah.
Pada 19 Oktober 2024, projek diteruskan dengan Aktiviti Penanaman, yang melibatkan lebih 70 peserta termasuk pelajar UTM dan penduduk setempat. Mereka bersama-sama menanam pelbagai jenis tumbuhan seperti daun sup, cili, terung bulat, limau kasturi, kunyit hitam, labu dan kesum. Aktiviti ini bukan sekadar memperindah kawasan kebun, malah membangkitkan semangat kerjasama komuniti serta memupuk kesedaran tentang kepentingan penjagaan alam sekitar.
Kesan program ini amat memberangsangkan. Berdasarkan soal selidik sebelum dan selepas program, berlaku peningkatan ketara dalam tahap pengetahuan dan kesedaran peserta. Sebelum program, kebanyakan peserta tidak mengetahui apa itu kompos dan tidak mengamalkan pengasingan sisa domestik. Namun selepas program, 100% peserta melaporkan peningkatan kefahaman serta mula mengamalkan pengkomposan di rumah masing-masing. Peningkatan pengetahuan mencecah antara 70 hingga 100 peratus, menjadikan program ini satu kejayaan besar dalam mempromosikan amalan lestari dalam kalangan masyarakat.
Selain memberi ilmu teknikal, projek ini turut berjaya memperkukuh jalinan sosial antara penduduk dan pelajar, meningkatkan rasa tanggungjawab terhadap alam sekitar serta membentuk budaya komuniti yang lebih proaktif dan mesra alam. Bagi para pelajar, penyertaan dalam projek ini memberi pengalaman pembelajaran yang bermakna dan menyedarkan mereka tentang kepentingan khidmat kepada masyarakat.
Majlis penutup program disempurnakan dengan penyampaian sijil penghargaan kepada semua peserta sebagai tanda penghargaan terhadap komitmen mereka. Program ini bukan sahaja menghijaukan semula Kampung Pasir Tampoi, tetapi turut menyemai nilai-nilai kelestarian dan pemindahan ilmu yang berpanjangan.
Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang inisiatif penyelidikan dan komuniti Fakulti Sains UTM, sila layari UTM Faculty of Science Research Highlights.
