KUCHING, April 6: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is urging the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government to allocate more funds for waste management in rural areas.
He said there are still villages and longhouses in Sarawak where council waste collection services are not available, resulting in some local folks discarding their waste into rivers.
“Some people are using the rivers to dispose of their waste, without much consideration for the environment or cleanliness. This is very sad. We cannot allow this to carry on,” he said.
Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said modern technology should be set up to properly manage waste in Sarawak, including the rural areas.
He suggested setting up proper facilities to recycle waste.
“Waste which we can recycle, we can send to recycling companies. If we can have a proper facility, we can even share with neighbouring councils.
“Like in the Betong Division, we can share (the facility) with the Saratok, Lubok Antu and Sri Aman councils,” said Uggah in a statement today.
Uggah was witnessing the swearing-in ceremony of 33 councillors at the Betong District Council which was led by its chairman Alfred Galing Ason today.
Amongst those also present were Layar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, and Betong Resident Richard Michael Abunawas. — DayakDaily
