KUCHING: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development is exploring the use of recycled materials, including plastic waste, in road construction projects in Sarawak.
Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stressed that the evolution of infrastructure involves embracing innovative and sustainable approaches rather than relying solely on traditional materials like cement and asphalt.
“Sarawak is currently in the process of expanding its road network to complete its connection loop. This brings us to the issue of exploring and using new, cost-effective, and durable materials to enhance maintenance efficiency,” said the Deputy Premier.
“We have heard of experiments using processed rubber and plastics in road construction, which are environmentally friendly and cost-effective.”
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Sarawak Branch seminar on ‘Revolutionising Road and Airport Infrastructure’ here on today (Sept 7).
He referenced reports, such as one by the World Wildlife Fund, indicating that Malaysia generates over a million tonne of post-consumer plastic waste annually.
“A New Straits Times report stated that Malaysia dumps over 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste into the sea each year. If left unchecked, we could end up in the insidious situation where there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.”
Later, he disclosed that the Public Works Department (JKR) has been directed to investigate how plastic and other waste materials can be incorporated into road construction in Sarawak.
“JKR has already visited a Petronas experiment in Kuala Lumpur, and today we have been briefed on a lot of other material that can be used.”
Uggah expressed interest in learning more about waste conversion technologies to turn such waste into construction materials for roads in Sarawak.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development is exploring the use of recycled materials, including plastic waste, in road construction projects in Sarawak.
Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stressed that the evolution of infrastructure involves embracing innovative and sustainable approaches rather than relying solely on traditional materials like cement and asphalt.
“Sarawak is currently in the process of expanding its road network to complete its connection loop. This brings us to the issue of exploring and using new, cost-effective, and durable materials to enhance maintenance efficiency,” said the Deputy Premier.
“We have heard of experiments using processed rubber and plastics in road construction, which are environmentally friendly and cost-effective.”
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Sarawak Branch seminar on ‘Revolutionising Road and Airport Infrastructure’ here on Thursday (Sept 7).
He referenced reports, such as one by the World Wildlife Fund, indicating that Malaysia generates over a million tonne of post-consumer plastic waste annually.
“A New Straits Times report stated that Malaysia dumps over 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste into the sea each year. If left unchecked, we could end up in the insidious situation where there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.”
Later, he disclosed that the Public Works Department (JKR) has been directed to investigate how plastic and other waste materials can be incorporated into road construction in Sarawak.
“JKR has already visited a Petronas experiment in Kuala Lumpur, and today we have been briefed on a lot of other material that can be used.”
Uggah expressed interest in learning more about waste conversion technologies to turn such waste into construction materials for roads in Sarawak.
