SK Jelutong Barat – Consumers Association Penang

*Students of SK Jelutong Barat – excited and eagerly waiting to plant the cooling plants.*

SHAPING ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS AND DISCIPLINED STUDENTS

At SK Jelutong Barat, we fully embrace the energy-saving initiative as it nurtures a sense of responsibility within the school community towards environmental protection and the efficient use of energy, says Mr Baderul Hisham bin Ishak, Senior Assistant for Co-curriculum of the school.

This initiative also raises awareness of the importance of electricity conservation in daily life. A range of steps have been implemented, including energy-saving briefings during morning assemblies, class competitions to encourage students to reduce energy consumption, the appointment of energy monitors and poster awareness campaigns featuring creative designs by students themselves.

*Ms Saraswathi Devi Odian explaining how to cut the recycled bottles for planting.*

One of the main challenges faced is ensuring consistent practice among students and teachers, as at times lights and fans are still left on after school sessions despite reminders.

Nevertheless, the students have shown commendable enthusiasm. Many volunteer to take turns during recess or in the early mornings to switch off fans and lights, as well as to remind their peers to save energy. They have also produced posters carrying creative messages which are displayed on class notice boards.

With regard to electricity bills, we observed a moderate reduction. Although the decrease is not significant, the results are still encouraging. In cases where there is no reduction, this may be attributed to old equipment still in use, or higher electricity consumption in special rooms such as science laboratories, computer labs, study rooms and offices, where energy use is more difficult to reduce.

In the long term, students are learning to be more disciplined and responsible, both for themselves and for the equipment they use. They are also developing a deeper appreciation of energy as a valuable resource, which cultivates a lasting sense of environmental care and awareness.

*Mr Baderul Hisham bin Ishak from SK Jelutong Barat*

We hope that the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) will continue this initiative as a sustainable practice in schools.

At home, similar efforts are being made. Families are adopting energy-saving habits, such as switching off appliances immediately after use, replacing conventional bulbs with LED lights and minimising unnecessary use of electrical appliances.

Students have extended these practices to their homes, with many sharing their experiences during class presentations and listing down the energy-saving habits they adopt at home. Family members are also supportive of these practices.

The Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) of SK Jelutong Barat strongly supports this programme organised by CAP. PIBG members actively spread awareness on energy-saving practices to other parents and encourage children to adopt energy-conscious lifestyles at home.

Beyond reducing energy consumption at school and at home, students are also gaining important values such as responsibility, discipline, teamwork and environmental awareness. These values help shape well-rounded individuals and support the Ministry of Education’s vision of instilling good conduct and character among pupils.