By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Aug 25: Sarawak’s first green asphalt road made from single-use plastic waste was unveiled at the launching ceremony of the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Lawas today.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who attended the launching ceremony, expressed his congratulations on the implementation of the road.
“Instead of wasting plastic, we collect it, and we can produce materials to construct roads. This is called sustainability,” he said in his speech during the event, adding that Sarawak has a lot of logging roads which need to be upgraded.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Sarawak Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; and CENTEXS chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani were also present.
In 2023, it was reported that Abang Johari had directed the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to explore the incorporation of plastic in road construction materials.
According to a press release, over 400kg of plastic waste were collected by communities across Malaysia for the 100-metre stretch of green asphalt road constructed within the CENTEXS facility in Lawas.
The road was developed in collaboration with Janatek Resources and Renergy Bumi Hijau and is a fully Malaysian innovation.
The press release also stated that the project serves as a flagship under Sarawak’s Plastic Waste Management and Circular Economy Policy, which promotes recycling, waste reduction, and material lifecycle extension as part of the State’s commitment to a zero-waste future. — DayakDaily
