Kak Akisyah: Turning Waste into Purpose and Community Change
Meet Kak Akisyah, a 45-year-old housewife from PPR Lembah Subang 2, whose journey with waste has completely transformed.
Before joining Hara Makers, recycling wasn’t something she thought about, waste was just waste. But through the programme, she discovered the value hidden in everyday discarded items. Now, she upcycles plastics and coffee grounds into useful products like candles, mosquito repellents, and bean bags, breathing new life into what would have otherwise been thrown away.
Of all the crafts she’s learned, candle-making is her favorite. She finds joy in the process, not just for its beauty but for the warmth and practicality it brings to a home.
But Kak Akisyah’s journey doesn’t stop at her own learning. She has become a community leader, actively involving her children in recycling and spreading awareness about waste reduction. While she doesn’t sew in our latest upcycling project, she plays a vital role in supporting other makers by collecting and donating plastics, proving that every small action contributes to something bigger.
Her story is a reminder that upcycling is more than just crafting, it’s a mindset shift, a movement toward sustainability, and an opportunity for women to grow, earn, and inspire change in their communities.