BETONG: Sarawak needs modern technology to manage waste in rural areas properly, instead of relying on landfills.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said this could affect the environment of the rural towns, villages and longhouses, in the long run.
“It is high time we looked at more relevant technology to properly get rid of waste, especially those which we could not recycle, ” he said after witnessing the swearing-in of 33 councillors of the Betong District Council led by chairman Alfred Galing Ason here today.
Currently, the waste management system is to send to the landfills while items that can be recycled, would be sent to recycling companies. However, this is getting out-dated, he said.
“If we can have a proper facility, we can even share with neighbouring councils. Like in Betong Division, we can share with the local councils in Saratok, Lubok Antu and Sri Aman,” he said.
Uggah suggested that the councils could begin to explore such options.
“We can discuss any recommendations and seek Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s help,” he added.
On the same note, Uggah urged the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to allocate more funds for waste management in rural areas.
“There are still villages and longhouses where council waste collection service is still not available.
“Some people are using the rivers to dispose of their waste or to just dispose of it without much consideration for the environment or cleanliness.
“This is very sad. We cannot allow this to carry on,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Uggah urged rural councils to tackle the stray dog issue as rabies is still a threat in the state.
He also called on Betong District Council councillors to work as a cohesive team in trying to turn Betong into the cleanest council in the state.
“Complaints from the people about cleanliness and the environment are common now. So, it is our responsibility to solve their complaints,” Uggah said.
Betong Member of Parliament Dr Richard Rapu and Betong Resident Richard Micheal Abunawas were among those present.
