From Awareness to Identity: Environmental Hygiene as a Pathway to Madani Society and Sustainable Future

Abstract

Environmental hygiene in universities is essential for advancing Malaysia’s Madani vision, which emphasises compassion, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. As formative social environments, universities shape students’ civic values and sustainable behaviours. Although studies indicate that Malaysian university students have a high awareness of hygiene and environmental issues, this awareness does not consistently translate into active participation or responsible practices. This gap reflects broader societal challenges, including an overreliance on institutional cleaning services, weak social norms, and limited community involvement in environmental programs. Critiques that students academically have been burdened with to engage in hygiene initiatives overlook the importance of shared accountability in building a resilient and responsible society. Research in environmental psychology suggests that voluntary participation in recycling, campus clean-ups, and sustainability campaigns fosters long-term pro-environmental habits and a stronger sense of civic identity. The Theory of Planned Behaviour further explains that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control influence students’ environmental actions, highlighting the need for more supportive structures that transform awareness into behaviour. Strengthening environmental hygiene culture requires integrated strategies such as curriculum-based sustainability modules, behavioural nudges, and partnerships with local communities. Enhancing hygiene practices on campuses contributes not only to institutional well-being but also to Malaysia’s broader sustainable development goals, nurturing future leaders committed to environmental responsibility.