Improve public awareness on solid waste management first, says Deputy Minister

Local authority representatives with Dr Abdul Rahman (seated, centre) at the launch of the Improvement of Solid Waste Management Workshop at Raia Hotel.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, May 11: The best approach to improve solid waste management in Kuching should first start with improving the awareness of city folks towards the matter, says Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication II Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.

Dr Abdul Rahman said authorities should tackle the source of the problem first before future strategies are implemented.

ā€œThe authorities can hold awareness campaigns in the context of educating and providing important information to all citizens,ā€ he said before officiating at the Solid Waste Management and Improvement Workshop at Raia Hotel today.

Dr Abdul Rahman was representing Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government.

He continued to say that the two-day workshop was held to introduce a strategy that can provide specific guidance to all parties regarding solid waste management that is more sustainable, effective, sustainable, efficient and systematic.

ā€œThis workshop also aims to create a more systematic solid management system where it can simultaneously improve the quality of the city’s cleanliness,ā€ he added.

He stressed that even though it is the responsibility of Trienekens Sarawak Sdn Bhd to process solid waste in Kuching city, local authorities should also play their role in planning and organising various hygiene activities and programmes such as mutual aid, awareness campaigns, 3R Buyback Campaign and others at the community level.

ā€œWe hope such initiatives, efforts and actions carried out can have a great impact on all of us,” he said.

Also present at the event were Kuching City South Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) mayor Datu Junaidi Reduan, Padawan Municipal Council Chairman (MPP) Tan Kai, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council representative Dato Sim Kiang Cheok, DBKU director Mohamad Khaidir Abang Treinekens Sarawak Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Stephen Chin. ā€” DayakDaily