KOTA KINABALU: Planet Us, an interactive educational exhibit, jointly developed by the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur and the Biji-biji Initiative, has arrived in Sabah. 

Planet Us will educate youth about the impact of daily actions on the environment and empower them to address climate change in sustainable ways. 

The Tanjung Aru Branch of the Sabah State Library will host the exhibit, that will be on display from September 1 until 11, 2022.

Through a series of workshops, led by organizations such as the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Danau Girang Field Centre, Planet Us will empower youth to tackle waste management challenges in Malaysia and through creative solutions like upcycling.

Upcycling workshops will train participants to look beyond the usual functions of day-to-day waste products and find ways to reuse them and minimize waste.

In Sabah, the NGO Kota Kita has set up a corresponding exhibition titled “Walkable City, Sustainable City,” which allows participants to value the sustainable aspects of walking through infographics, interactive activities, and quizzes.

“We are so proud to partner with the Sabah State Library and the Biji-biji Initiative to bring Planet Us to Kota Kinabalu,” commented U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Mindy Masonis.

“Sabah’s diverse ecosystems and stunning natural beauty put it at the forefront of the fight against climate change.  We hope Planet Us can help youth in Kota Kinabalu better understand the role they can play in preserving Sabah for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.” 

Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation permanent secretary Zainudin Aman said: “I hope that every Sabahan will participate in and support this exhibition and join the movement to address climate change.

“This exhibition will have a positive impact on the lives of future generations by mobilising young people to create a better environment for us.”

Sabah State Library Director, Hajah Fatimah Abdillah said “Sabah State Library is honored to collaborate with the U.S. Embassy and Biji-biji Initiative in facilitating such a meaningful public program.”

Planet Us was launched in Sarawak earlier this summer and is scheduled to travel across Malaysia for the next four months, including stops in Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can look forward to participating in workshops on composting, handmade crafts, and wildlife conservation. Virtual activities and resources — including an upcycling competition, an online game, and a website (https://planetus-exhibit.com) — will also engage audiences by increasing their awareness about the effects of climate change.  

Planet Us will enable Malaysian youth to make a difference in their communities by strategically combating climate change. No country can solve the climate crisis alone.  Everyone must do their part. This campaign also encourages the general public to critically think about the impact of their daily actions on the environment, and how they can adopt more sustainable habits. It hopes to inspire conversations and a mindset shift towards environmental consciousness.