I never knew that Sejahtera is a word that is so important until the day my lecturer showed me a video of Professor Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak talking about Sejahtera on a deeper level. The word Sejahtera can ensure the sustainability of the world. This is because the word Sejahtera does not only mean peace, tranquility, and ease but it means to have prosperity in holistic, balanced, sustainable living.
Prosperity can be obtained by balancing the SPICE elements so that we can live holistically and sustainably. The SPICE elements are spiritually, physically, intellectually, culture, ecology, ethics, economy, and society.
This idea has not only been implemented in Malaysia but also in Korea way before us. They use the concept for their campus, education, and environment. The word Sejahtera is already mainstream in other countries in other forms and concepts. The Japanese word for it is Ikigai which means encompassing joy. The Norwegian word for it is hygge which means a mood of coziness and comfortable with the feeling of wellness and contentment. The Swedish word for it is lagom which means moderation and balance.
The concept of Sejahtera has been implemented in my university which is CFS IIUM back when I was in foundation. They ban the usage of styrofoam and we only use kraft paper because it is more eco-friendly. Kraft paper can decompose within a few weeks and it is a non-hazardous waste. It can also be recycled for new packaging. We are also suggested to use our own tupperware or container in packaging the takeaway food. Styrofoams are rarely to be seen on campus. We can say that the university is promoting good action within the society and this is aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). By not using styrofoam and use other sustainable alternatives for it, water, air, and land pollution can be avoided as dangerous chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons would not be released into the environment and affect the health of the people. The SDG 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land) are being achieved by the community in the university.
In the same university, they also like to give out free food especially on Friday every week. At a certain time, they will give out free complete meals to the students. One time they even give out free tupperware just to support their sustainability action. There are also spots in the university for people to just donate snacks and food for other people. For instance, there will be a cabinet or table in some places with free food and snacks donated by the lecturers, staff, and students so that the students would stay healthy and focused by not being hungry. We just needed to write our names after we take the donated food. There is also a Sejahtera room on our campus where the room is filled with food, clothes, stationery, and other necessities for free as this can help the students who are in need. The students or lecturers who want to donate and take the items from the room will just need to write their names only and they do not have to pay for anything. This sustainable society and environment in the university create a harmonious surrounding between the students, lecturers, and other people in the university. I remember that I took a nap in the Surau and suddenly when I woke up, I got RM10 as it was attached with a letter written with "eat well". It was my lucky day as I got free RM10 from a generous anonymous person. The students also came up with an idea to put a donation box for food and snacks in the pantry just to ensure that all students were eating well. TIt can be seen that SDG 1(No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 3 (Good Health and Well-being) are being achieved by the university. I believe that the university did a great job in creating a society and surrounding that gives importance to the Sustainable and Development Goals for the greater good of everyone in this world.
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