River of Hope: Mudball Environmental Awareness Workshop with Kampung Communities - Sarawak River Revival
Empowering local communities to heal Sarawak's rivers through simple, low-cost and community-led environmental stewardship.
Introduction
Sungai Sarawak, a vital river in the heart of Kuching, has become increasingly polluted due to industrial runoff, urban waste, and domestic discharge.
Its deterioration has affected not only the environment but also the well-being of communities living along its banks.
In line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), we propose a grassroots-level environmental education and river rehabilitation effort using the natural method of Effective Microorganism (EM) Mudballs.
Objectives
Empower Local Communities
To empower local kampung communities with the knowledge and hands-on experience of making and using EM Mudballs.
Raise Awareness
To raise awareness of river pollution and its impact on community health and livelihoods.
Cultivate Environmental Stewardship
To cultivate community-based environmental stewardship through intergenerational participation.
Monitor River Health
To visually and scientifically monitor river health improvement post-mudball deployment.
Target Location (1st Phase)
After field evaluation and stakeholder consultations, we recommend the following top 3 kampungs in Satok area based on proximity to polluted rivers, population density, and community readiness:
These kampungs have demonstrated a high degree of visual river pollution, making them ideal for awareness and visible transformation using EM Mudballs.
Proposed Activities
The workshop will be divided into 2 phases:
Phase 1: Awareness & Education
- Short talk: "Kenapa Sungai Kita Penting?"
- Video: River pollution in Sarawak
- Introduction to EM Technology & Mudballs
- Demonstration of how to make mudballs
Phase 2: Community Action
- Community mudball-making session
- Riverbank clean-up activities (optional but encouraged)
- Group deployment of mudballs into affected river
- Pledge wall: "Bersama Jaga Sungai Kita"
Follow-up Phase (Post-Event)
- Simple water observation survey
- Youth-led patrol and mudball deployment tracking
- Sharing of results via social media & local media
Target Audience
Kampung Residents
Youths, adults, community leaders, students
School Students
Invited through partnerships with nearby schools
NGOs and Local Municipal Council
As partners/supporters
Expected participation: 50–100 pax per kampung
Proposed Timeline
1
Week 1
Stakeholder engagement & approval
2
Week 2
Material sourcing & trainer briefing
3
Week 3
Workshop and River Revival in Kampung No. 6
4
Week 4
Workshop and River Revival in Bintawa Hulu
5
Week 5
Workshop and River Revival in Kampung Lintang
6
Week 6–8
Post-event reporting & visibility sharing
Outcomes & Impact Indicators
Increased community awareness
>70% participant feedback positive
EM Mudball production and deployment
500+ mudballs per kampung
Water clarity and smell observation
Visual/photo before-after log
Youth/community engagement
At least 10 active volunteers per kampung
Social media & media coverage
3+ news features or online posts with >5k reach
Partners & Collaborators
Local Councils
MBKS/DBKU
Kampung Leadership
Ketua Kampung & JKKK of selected villages
Local NGOs
Trienekens, Eco Green
Academic Partners
CENTEXS Community, Students or Volunteers
Media Partners
TVS, Suara Sarawak, Utusan Borneo & Sarawak Voice
Closing Statement
Reconnecting with Environment
Building meaningful relationships with our natural resources
Fostering Environmental Stewards
Creating a new generation of river guardians
Healing Rivers and Communities
Using simple, low-cost methods for lasting impact
This workshop initiative is not just about cleaning rivers — it's about reconnecting people with their environment and fostering a new generation of environmental stewards. Through simple, low-cost and community-led methods like EM mudballs, we believe Sarawak's rivers — and its people — can be healed together, from the mud up.
Fact Sheet: What Are EM Mudballs?
EM mudballs contain Effective Microorganisms that help break down organic pollutants in water bodies, improving water quality naturally.
Visual map of 3 kampung locations
Detailed maps showing Kampung No. 6 (Masjid), Kampung Bintawa Hulu, and Kampung Lintang in relation to Sungai Sarawak.
Mudball SOP (recipe + safety guide)
Step-by-step instructions for making and deploying EM mudballs safely and effectively.
Sample pledge card
Template for "Janji Jaga Sungai Kita" pledge cards for workshop participants.
Contact & consent form templates
Standard forms for participant registration and media consent.