By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 21: Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, has been entrusted with overseeing the implementation of a modern, incinerator-based waste management system in the State.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is part of Sarawak’s broader vision to manage waste more efficiently while advancing its goal of becoming a smart and low-carbon city.
“Datuk Len Talif is the one looking into this matter.
“We have decided to manage our waste using a new approach—through incinerators. It is costly, but this is an investment for the future that will allow us to generate energy from waste,” he said when speaking during Kuching North City Commission’s (DBKU) Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the DBKU building here earlier tonight.
He explained that the State will be divided into two designated zones for implementation—the southern zone covering Kuching, Samarahan, Simanggang and up to Betong, and the northern zone stretching from central Sarawak to Miri.
“These zones were created to ensure there is sufficient waste volume to support the energy conversion process,” he added.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, expressed confidence in Sarawak’s financial capability to fund this advanced waste management system.
He also called for cooperation from the people of both North and South Kuching, as well as city administrators and elected representatives, to work together in transforming Kuching into a smart and low-carbon city.
“Kuching is already recognised as one of the cleanest cities in the world, and we must maintain that reputation to continue attracting tourists,” he stressed.
The Premier first announced the idea on Aug 1, 2024, stating that the plan to build two waste-to-energy incinerators—serving areas from Kuching to Limbang—aims to emulate Sweden’s model, which not only generates energy from waste but also imports waste for its circular economy.
At the time, he said the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) had been tasked with studying and planning the projects, which are expected to require substantial investment.
He noted that with the use of incinerators, at least 50 per cent of waste can be recovered, providing a return on investment while reducing reliance on environmentally harmful landfills. — DayakDaily
