SARAWAK under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is moving towards zero waste with an aim to eliminate waste by designing and managing products and processes to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them.
“Sarawak’s Zero Waste Agenda includes minimising consumption and waste generation, extending the life of products through reuse and repair, processing materials into new products, extracting energy from waste materials and composting organic waste,” said Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-Batu Kitang) .
He said this in support of the Natural Resources and Environment Bill, 2024 during the second meeting of the third session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday (Nov 12).
“Key principles of Sarawak’s Circular Economy includes:
- Creating products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable.
- Extending the lifespan of products through reuse, repair, and refurbishment.
- Restoring Sarawak’s ecosystems and natural resource.
“While zero waste is a goal, a circular economy is a practical approach to implementing zero waste principles. By designing products for longevity, minimising waste, and maximising resource efficiency, Sarawak is moving towards a more sustainable future,” he said.
He added that the state also actively pursuing waste-to-energy (WTE) initiatives to address its growing waste management challenges and to promote sustainable development.
“There is money to be made from waste to energy and this Bill will enable Sarawak to be in full control of this resource,” he said.
Lo said that Sarawak can manage wastes that require licensing for specific activities, premise operation, waste transportation, discharge of oil into waters and air and noise pollution management.
“The Bill is designed to address pollutants and discarded materials which are no longer usable or profitable and which will otherwise be dumped into the environment causing harm to our people.
“The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) will be the authority responsible to manage and to fund clean up efforts.
“This Bill enhances enforcement besides the establishment of an environmental fund as well as new penalties for those who do not comply and also aims to streamline processes for managing pollution, licensing, and resource conservation, aligning with Sarawak’s specific environmental needs and to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development goals,” he said.
