Curtin Malaysia students get first-hand look at real-world waste management

Miri, Sarawak – 16 October 2026 – Environmental Engineering students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) gained first-hand insight into the challenges of managing municipal solid waste during an educational visit to the Sibuti Sanitary Landfill recently.

The visit, organised as part of their coursework in solid and hazardous waste management, brought classroom concepts to life by exposing the students to the day-to-day operations of a working sanitary landfill.

The students toured the facility to observe landfill operations, site management practices and environmental mitigation measures. They also engaged with facility personnel to learn about the technical, logistical and operational challenges involved in managing municipal solid waste safely and effectively.

Dr. Hazwan Jusoh, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Curtin Malaysia, said such field-based learning opportunities are essential in preparing students for the realities of professional engineering practice.

“A site visit allows students to see how the engineering principles they learn in class apply to an actual working environment. It helps them appreciate the practical challenges of solid waste management and underscores the crucial role environmental engineers play in addressing them,” he said.

He added that direct exposure to operational facilities enables students to develop a broader understanding of the environmental, technical and managerial considerations underpinning modern waste management systems.

As communities face growing demands for responsible waste disposal and environmental protection, practical learning experiences such as this help equip future engineers with the knowledge and perspective needed to contribute to more sustainable waste management practices.

The visit reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to experiential learning and industry engagement, providing students with opportunities to connect academic knowledge with real-world applications and prepare for the challenges of their future professions.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Curtin Malaysia students and staff at Sibuti Sanitary Landfill.