By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 23: The Sarawak government will explore innovative ways to recycle wastewater for carbon storage and fertiliser in agriculture.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the potential of wastewater recycling as a sustainable solution that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Wastewater can actually be treated and reused. This concept of water cycle has many uses, meaning that water becomes part of a circular economy,” he told reporters after officiating at Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference 2024 (BIWWEC 2024) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Abang Johari further revealed that during a tour of BIWWEC 2024’s exhibition area earlier, he was interested in a promising technology that treats water and using the waste residue, which contains high levels of microsomes, as carbon storage.
“Because the residue is porous, it can also serve as a fertiliser, enriching soil quality and boosting agricultural productivity.
“This means that wastewater becomes an economic commodity that not only supports agriculture, particularly for vegetable crops, but also stores carbon, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere,” he explained.
Amongst those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi and BIWWEC 2024 organising chairperson Rodziah Mohamad. — DayakDaily
