SIBU: The first of its kind e-waste recycling centre in the state has been officially launched at Taman Grand Heights, Jalan Mantis (near Grand Heights market) here.
Sibu Municipal Council chairman Ting Ing Horth officiated the centre’s handing over to Sarawak ICT Association (SICTA) Sibu branch and launching ceremony this morning.
Speaking to reporters after the handing over, Ting said the SICTA Sibu branch actually requested for it for more than a decade ago.
He said they would utilise the centre for a few months and if it is suitable, the council will set up another one, perhaps somewhere at the Muhibbah food court centre in Jalan Dr. Wong Soon Kai.
However, he said he would leave the location for the SICTA to decide.
“We will work with them to put up a few more collection centres if the present one turns out to be successful.
“We encourage the public to come to send their e-waste such as computers to dispose them at the recycling centre and not to throw them away indiscriminately. This is part and parcel of keeping Sibu clean by doing this sort of thing,” he said.
Ting said if the association needs other places to set up such centre, the council will build it for them because if by doing this rubbish is taken off the street, the council will play its role.
Meanwhile a spokesman of SICTA Sibu branch Wong Ing Ang said this e-waste centre will open from 8am to noon on every Saturday for this month.
“We will see how is the response … and if the response is good, then we will continue the following month. Otherwise we will change our schedule and announce in our website and media.
“We don’t provide any transportation or pay any fee for the e-waste collection. This is a charity work. The proceeds generated will be channeled to charity bodies,” he said.
Wong said the collection of e-waste was done well back in 2005 at the Civic Centre but on a seasonal basis or twice a year and did not have any permanent place.
But, but for now the SICTA Sibu branch has its ‘own home’ or base for such collection.
He pointed out with the commission of this e-waste recycling centre, it would be the first such facility in the state jointly undertaken with the local authority.
