STEM Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Industrial Wastewater Treatment at Mardec Industrial Latex Sdn. Bhd., Tapah
24 November 2025
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Written by:
Tavasuria Elangovan
Lecturer,
Faculty of Applied Sciences,
Universiti Teknologi MARA,
Perak Branch Tapah Campus
A visit to a wastewater treatment facility is essential for STEM education as it enables students to directly observe the use of scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical principles in the management and treatment of industrial wastewater. Observing processes like sedimentation, filtration, aeration and biological treatments enable students to attain a better understanding of processes that might seem abstract in the classroom. Thus, the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FSG), UiTM Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, organized an industrial trip to Mardec Industrial Latex (MIL) Sdn. Bhd., Tapah, Perak on 24 June 2025. Mardec Industrial Latex (MIL) Sdn. Bhd. is one of the factories of Mardec Berhad, formerly known as the Malaysian Rubber Development Corporation, or MRDC.
There were two Diploma in Science students from semester 5 who were doing a final year project (FYP) followed this industrial trip. This industrial trip was led by Puan Tavasuria Elangovan, biology lecturer at FSG, UiTM Perak Branch, Tapah Campus. This industrial trip is to give exposure to the students, learn about the wastewater treatments in Mardec Sdn. Bhd., and also to collect the untreated wastewater samples for their research and experimental analysis.
During the industrial trip, students visited treatment plants in Mardec Industrial Latex Sdn. Bhd. Followed by a briefing by Encik Ahmad Nazrul Imran Bin Azri, Operation Executive, and Encik Mohd. Nazim Bin Mohd Shukri, Assistant Factory Manager (Production/Maintenance), Mardec Industrial Latex Sdn. Bhd., Tapah, Perak, regarding the wastewater treatments conducted there.
Directly observe the use of scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical principles in the management and treatment of industrial wastewater.
The treatment plants in Mardec Industrial Latex Sdn. Bhd.
The students collected the untreated wastewater samples for further experimental analysis.
After that, students collected the untreated wastewater samples for further experimental analysis with the help of staff there. Students brought the wastewater samples directly to the Biology Lab in UiTM Perak Branch Tapah Campus. Furthermore, students apply their knowledge while doing testing of physicochemical parameters of wastewater samples and continue treatment using low-cost and eco-friendly treatment methods using activated carbon.
In addition, students felt that this industrial trip while collecting wastewater samples gave them meaningful opportunities to explore the treatments available in the industry. This real-world exposure strengthens students’ practical knowledge and enhances their creativity and critical thinking. Thus, industrial visit to a wastewater treatment facility enhances STEM education by making it more engaging, relevant, and impactful, while also aligning with sustainable development goals (SDG 9): Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. This visit broaden students' understanding of hazards, current advances, wastewater management, the importance of sustainable industrial development, and the potential of innovation in the future. So directing them toward enlightened career decisions in environmental engineering or other STEM fields related to sustainable solutions or industrial practices that contribute to cleaner water resources. Furthermore, engaging with experts and observing how industries transform contaminated water into reusable or safely discharged water can stimulate curiosity, and encourage the students to participate more proactively in environmental initiatives in the future.
The engagement with experts allows students to observe firsthand how industries transform contaminated water into reusable or safely discharged water; sparks curiosity.
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