By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 5: Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has been urged to spearhead innovative circular-economy initiatives by giving value to waste plastics and transforming them into stone-like hardening material for resurfacing roads.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,in making this proposal, highlighted that plastic waste could be reprocessed into a “plastic-like stone” which, when mixed with bitumen, forms a durable and high-quality material suitable for road resurfacing.
“If plastic has value, people won’t throw plastic away. And this plastic becomes raw material for Sarawak to resurface roads,” he said when officiating the SEDC Corporate Dinner 2025 at a hotel here tonight.
Abang Johari said the initiative aligns with the Sarawak’s plan to take over and upgrade some 6,000km of logging roads, which will soon be classified as State roads and made free for public use.
“Currently people have to pay to use logging roads. We want to abolish that. And we take over the logging road for the convenience of our rural people,” he said, stressing that the upgraded roads must meet proper quality and engineering standards.
He noted that some rural areas, such as Baram, still use stones from rivers for road surfacing, but alternatives like plastic-based aggregates could offer more consistency and durability.
“If you use plastic, it won’t look like ‘chocolate’ colour but perhaps could create a soft lustre on the surface,” he added.
The Premier said that Sarawak’s newly passed Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Ordinance provides the legal framework and economic incentive for government agencies and industry players to monetise waste by converting it into energy and new products.
“SEDC is involved in the mining and construction sector. So, what SEDC can do now is make use of this new law to create products based on the circular economy. In other words, you can manufacture new products from our waste,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak is the first State in Malaysia to enact such a comprehensive waste-management law, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and resource innovation.
“For the next 10 years, Sarawak agencies including SEDC must keep abreast with technology, and through research, I am sure SEDC can achieve more real results,” he said.
The Premier expressed confidence that with strategic direction, technological readiness and a circular-economy mindset, SEDC can help unlock new industries and contribute to Sarawak’s long-term economic resilience. — DayakDaily
