Sarawak targets PALS Club in all schools by 2027

KUCHING: Sarawak is targeting to extend the Kelab Pencinta Alam Sekitar (PALS Club) initiative to all schools by the end of 2027, with 455 yet to join the environmental education initiative.

Sarawak Environmental Quality Controller Datuk Jack Liam said 1,011 schools were already participating in the programme, which began in 1999 with just 44 primary and 30 secondary schools.

“Today, the initiative has expanded to 1,011 schools, with the remaining 455 schools targeted for registration by the end of 2027.

“This progress reflects our continued commitment to making environmental education accessible to students throughout Sarawak,” he said when speaking at the Environmental Education Conference 2026 at Imperial Hotel here on Tuesday (Oct 27).

The conference was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Jack said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) supports participating schools through grants, training for teacher advisers, monitoring and advisory services, and assistance with environmental awareness activities.

Alongside the expansion, the board wants to develop an environmental education module to support learning in schools and communities.

“The module will help consolidate existing efforts, provide accessible and relevant learning materials, and guide the subsequent phases of environmental education development in Sarawak,” he said.