KUCHING: The management of food waste is an issue of concern for Sarawak, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the federal Ministry for Housing and Local Government has just launched the first-ever Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste in Malaysia (2025-2035) for the adoption of a circular economy by both public and private industries.
“The Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste would also have the potential for foreign investor collaboration and income generation for Sarawak as we can focus on new market creation in the recycling and solid waste-based industries.
“Among the notable plans is the implementation of a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy for solid waste towards product manufacturers.
“I am pleased to note that this topic will be discussed here by subject matter experts on capacity building and certifications such as MAREA, Intertek & Global Reporting Initiative at this conference,” he said.
He said this in his speech read by Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben during the Sustainable Foods International Conference 2024 here on today (Aug 13).
Abang Johari also took the opportunity to congratulate the alliance of Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Malaysian Recycling Alliance, Ethos Connect and Trienekens on their private-public sector initiative to start a recycling project for 1,490 households in Demak and Jalan Bako to promote participation from households in the recyclables collection programme.
“This will help to reduce the waste that goes to the limited landfill space,” he said.
Among those present were Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Sarawak Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat and the conference organising chairperson Sim Ling Ling.
