45 Recycled Sculptures Put Malaysia In ASEAN, ASIA Records

SEPANG, April 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has become the first country in ASEAN and Asia to be recognised by ASEAN Records and ASIA Records for a nationwide recycled sculpture initiative.

The project, implemented by Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) features 45 sculptures made mostly from recycled materials and installed across several states including Johor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Kedah, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

ASEAN Records and ASIA Records managing director Gillian Ooi said the initiative is unique and creates public awareness on sustainable waste management, demonstrating that solid waste can yield high returns when processed creatively.

“This project shows that recycled materials can be turned into something beautiful. It also helps to  educate the public that what we throw away can be reused in creative ways,” she said.

Ooi said this when speaking to reporters after the dual award recognition ceremony here, yesterday.

The record was namely the ‘Largest Single-Programme Multi-State Outdoor Recycled Sculpture Installation by a Government Agency’, involving the installation of 45 sculptures in eight states, within six months.

Each sculpture contains between 60 and 100 per cent recycled materials, exceeding the minimum 50 per cent requirement for record recognition.

The sculptures vary in size and are placed in public and tourist areas to attract visitors and promote environmental awareness.

Ooi added that based on their research, no other country in ASEAN or across Asia has implemented a similar nationwide, government-led effort combining public art, sustainability, and tourism on this scale.

“The recognition of Malaysia’s initiative highlights the country’s commitment to sustainability and environmental, social and governance practices,” she added.

Using a ‘waste-to-art’ strategy, the SWCorp initiative integrates public art with environmental education to beautify the landscape and decrease reliance on landfills.

Meanwhile, SWCorp chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said the ‘One Sculpture, One Office’ initiative, launched in June 2025, intends to change public perception that solid waste lacks worth, but instead it shows that waste can be converted into valuable art through creative skill.

-- BERNAMA