KUCHING: Local authorities should play their role in providing more efficient and systematic waste management services.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the issue of ineffective and inefficient solid waste management is one of the constraints faced in a developing city and this includes Kuching.
He pointed out that the issue will persist and the amount of solid waste will increase as the population and living standards increase and the rapid development of industrial activities in Kuching.
“If there’s no sustainable solid waste management, the impact will not only reduce the quality of hygiene and public health but also bring harm to society and the environment,” he said at the Improving Solid Waste Management in Urban Areas Workshop at a hotel here, today.
Dr Sim’s speech was read by Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
He said the two-day workshop is aimed at introducing strategies that can provide specific guidance to all local authorities on more sustainable solid waste management and ensuring it is effective, sustainable, efficient and systematic.
With the new strategies, Dr Sim said the authorities can implement or hold more awareness campaigns in the context of educating and providing important information to all urban residents.
In addition, Dr Sim said the workshop will also be the best approach to the Circular Economy as a basis for the improvement of municipal solid waste management in line with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recommendation for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to get involved in the new economy.
“This economy has a positive impact on economic development, and one example is producing animal feed for chicken and fish from palm oil waste. Through this economy, we can focus more on environmental sustainability while at the same time, reducing waste and increasing recycling efforts among urban residents,” he added.
Dr Sim hoped that the cooperation between the local authorities and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd can be intensified and improved in a more systematic way to ensure the quality of solid waste management in the city is always assured.
“Although all processes involving solid waste management in the city are the responsibility of Trienekens, the local authorities must also play a role in planning and organising various activities and programmes such as community clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, 3R Buyback Campaigns and more, with the hope that all the initiatives, efforts and actions will have a significant impact on all,” he said.
Also present were Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai, Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Stephen Chin, DBKU director Khaidir Abang and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) councillor Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok, who represented chairman Datuk Peter Minos.
