Fairfield by Marriott Bintulu Paragon has become the first hotel in Bintulu to successfully partner and implement the Towards Zero Food Waste in Bintulu project, led by the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS). The project is coordinated by Dr. Keeren Sundara Rajoo from the Institute of Ecosystem Science Borneo, UPMS, together with Madam Lydia Soloma Jalong (BDA).

 

The hotel launched its food waste composting initiative on 31 July 2025, in collaboration with Naim, using a composting box filled with over 400 kg of vegetable scraps and fruit peels collected from its kitchen. The innovative composting box methodology, developed by UPMS in collaboration with Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo NODAI), was designed as a practical and low-cost approach to managing food waste in tropical conditions, requiring no chemical inputs or electricity. In early October 2025, a team from UPM led by Dr. Keeren and his students visited the site to witness the completion of the first composting cycle, which successfully produced over 30 kg of compost ready for sustainable soil enrichment.

 

Building on this success, the hotel has expanded its composting efforts through additional batches currently in progress, reflecting its strong and ongoing commitment to sustainability. These efforts demonstrate how consistent and practical action can turn everyday kitchen waste into a valuable resource for the environment.

 

Fairfield by Marriott Bintulu Paragon also plans to develop a small farming area beside the composting site, where the compost will be used to grow local plants, creating a sustainable cycle that links waste reduction, soil recovery, and green growth. Hotel Manager Ms. Lee Chin Yin expressed confidence that this initiative will encourage more local businesses to take part in responsible food waste management and strengthen community awareness toward sustainability.

 

The Towards Zero Food Waste in Bintulu project will continue to expand through collaborations with various stakeholders across Bintulu, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), civil society groups, and schools, to promote inclusive and community-driven solutions towards a cleaner and more sustainable town.

 

This collaboration between BDA, UPMS, and Fairfield by Marriott Bintulu Paragon represents a meaningful step forward in reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices across Bintulu.