Oil to Earth: Raising Consciousness on Used Cooking Oil Recycling in Shah Alam

Abstract

Cooking oil plays a pivotal role in Malaysian cuisine, particularly in the preparation of fried foods. Despite the financial potential of collecting and selling used cooking oil to recycling centers in Malaysia, public awareness regarding the recycling of such oil remains comparatively low among Malaysians in contrast to other ASEAN countries. This research addresses the existing gap by focusing on the Malaysia Oxygen (MyO2) program implemented at MSU Malaysia, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The collected oil is then sold to the municipal authority, Majlis Perbandaran Shah Alam (MBSA) and the sale of cooking oil contribute to tree planting efforts at Kanching Eco Forest Park in collaboration with Tourism Selangor. This research employs face-to-face surveys and distributed questionnaires during the MyO2 program to gather data. Descriptive analysis were employed to elucidate key features of the data collection and research model. The study aims to explore awareness levels regarding the recycling of used cooking oil and disseminate information about the environmental benefits associated with such recycling efforts. The insights garnered from this research could potentially contribute to the refinement of existing models or the development of an advanced theoretical framework. Furthermore, the applicability of these models can be comprehensive in understanding of the adoption and practices associated with recycling behavior. This academic exploration aims to pave the way for a more robust comprehension of the factors shaping recycling intentions and behaviors in the specific context of Shah Alam and, by extension, contribute to broader discussions on sustainable practices.