What started as a school environmental project has taken a step towards real-world use, with a group of SMK Taman Sutera students securing an industry buyer for their Smart Grease Trap designed to keep used cooking oil and grease out of drainage systems.
Developed under the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) 2026 programme, the innovation uses agricultural waste such as sugarcane bagasse and coconut fibre to absorb oil and grease before they enter drains.
The system is fitted with sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technology and powered by solar energy, allowing grease levels to be monitored and users to be alerted when the trap needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Sunrise Bayumas Sdn Bhd has purchased three sets of the innovation for use at food premises, giving the students an opportunity to see their idea put to practical use.
Project supervisor Thipanraj Katigasu said the idea came from encouraging students to identify environmental problems in their own community and develop practical solutions.
“We wanted the students to experience the whole process, from identifying a problem and carrying out research to developing a product and seeing how it can benefit the community,” he said.
The students conducted field studies and experiments to test the effectiveness of the absorbent materials and assess water quality.
They also explored other uses for used cooking oil, including turning it into soap and experimenting with its potential use in ink production.
SMK Taman Sutera principal Heriyan Jumadi said the school intends to continue developing the project beyond the TEY competition and encourage students to pursue practical solutions to environmental problems.
The school is also planning to establish a school-based company to further develop ALGENIUS and explore partnerships with industry players.
The initiative has received support from government agencies, educational institutions and private-sector organisations.
Deputy Chairman of the Johor State Education and Information Committee, Vellayan Rugendran, told reporters that such an innovation effort should continue and be empowered, which includes giving exposure to schools on research and development (R&D). He also hopes to see more creative innovation from students in the coming future.
Other Johor schools that are shortlisted for TEY 2026 are Arithmetic Team from SMK Bandar Putra and O-Yon from SMK Kota Masai 2.
Last year, SMK Mohd Khalid from Johor took second place in TEY 2025 by finding a solution to increase the amount of e-waste collected at Kampung Tarom for a safer environment.
