Kulai: Hair clippings that once ended up in the trash at Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas (SMPK) Vokasional Indahpura are now being turned into nutrient-rich compost by students in the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) hairdressing course. Senior Assistant Administrator Sulasteri Hairodin said the 'Eco Hair Fertilizer' project for the school's plants began in January last year and is part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the method improves hair waste disposal, using about 30 percent of hair clippings in the compost, with the remainder comprising food waste. Sulasteri explained that previously, hair cut by SKM hairdressing students was just collected and thrown away, but with so much of it, it seemed a waste not to use it. With teachers keen to experiment, they turned collected food waste, including from the canteen, into compost.

An estimated 50 kg of hair-based compost has been produced so far. Sulasteri mentioned that they have also tried it on the plants, and thankfully they're thriving, which helps reduce the need to purchase fertilizer. The compost is applied to the soil of each pot every two weeks.

Sulasteri emphasized that the project, though not yet commercialized, has significantly enhanced students' learning and awareness of waste management. It also reduces waste and equips students with useful knowledge for the future. Additionally, students at the Kulai school have created plant-based bath bombs through teacher-student collaboration.

Sulasteri noted that the school has won several awards, including Best Secondary School at the 2025 Iskandar Puteri Low Carbon Carnival.