By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, 30 April: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has introduced a new mobile application called ‘iBuyBack’ in conjunction with its ‘Buy Back’ recycling campaign to promote a community-wide recycling culture.
MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng emphasised that the app streamlines the collection and separation of recyclables, thereby preventing their disposal in landfills.
“It also provides information on recycling drop-off locations, making it easier for the public to participate in sustainable waste disposal using cutting-edge technology. This will later be extended to e-waste and organic solid waste,” Wee explained during the launch of the ‘Make Climate Cool Again’ event today at the MBKS Community Hall on Jalan Padungan here in conjunction with Earth Day 2023.
The ‘Make Climate Cool Again’ event is being organised by MBKS in collaboration with NakedWonders and Sarawak’s Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) at the MBKS Community Hall from April 29 to May 8.
Wee emphasised that Kuching is well-known for its rich culture, welcoming tourism, and designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
“Environmental protection is an important component of our ongoing efforts, and at MBKS, we’ve implemented a policy that prohibits the use of polystyrene and plastic straws throughout the markets and hawker centres.
“We’ve also launched the ‘Buy Back’ recycling campaign, which encourages residents in Kuching City South to recycle their waste in exchange for reward points redeemable for household items. This initiative has been a smashing success and popular among Kuchingnites,” he added.
Furthermore, the MBKS mayor pointed out that since the ban on the use of plastic drinking straws came into effect in July 2022, up to three million straws have been retrieved from the environment.
“We hold recycling and e-waste collection campaigns on a regular basis with partners such as Sarawak Department of Environment (DOE), NREB Sarawak, and Trienekens,” he revealed, adding that another programme would be held on May 6.
Wee said today’s programme alone accomplished 10 of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Among others present at the event were Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, MBKS deputy mayor Hilmy Othman, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai, and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap. — DayakDaily
