SARATOK, May 6: The Natural Resources and Environmental Board (NREB) is urging local communities to refrain from disposing electrical and electronic items or e-waste together with regular household rubbish.
Improper disposal of these items can have a negative and detrimental effects on humans, animals, aquatic life and marine ecosystems.
The heavy metals, such as nickel and mercury, present in certain components of e-waste can lead to pollution in rivers, underground water sources and soil if not managed properly.
According to a media release today, NREB in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DOE) Sarawak and Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government is currently organising an electrical and electronic waste (BEE) collection campaign 2023 at the Sri Kalaka Saratok main stage here today and tomorrow (May 7) from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri was also present to give support to the campaign.
The campaign, which also involved contractors registered with DOE Sarawak, aims to engage the local community and address the issue of haphazard e-waste disposal by collecting these items for appropriate disposal or recycling, in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Environment Quality Act of 1974.
The public is strongly encouraged to contribute by bringing in damaged, obsolete, and non-functional electrical and electronic items, such as laptops, desktops, printers, mobile phones, washing machines, air-conditioners, and refrigerators.
This campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of e-waste to the environment and promote safe and environmentally friendly handling and disposal methods to the local community. — DayakDaily
