KUCHING, April 8: Proper tyre disposal methods and management are important to reduce the adverse effects on the environment as a consequence of pollution.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni highlighted this following a visit to ZHA Environmental Sdn Bhd Used Tyres Waste Management Facility (UTWF) located in the Integrated Waste Management Zone in Matang here yesterday (April 7).
According to a media release today, ZHA Sdn Bhd has been appointed and licensed by the Sarawak government to implement the used tyre waste management programme throughout Sarawak since 2013.
An estimated one million pieces of tyres are imported into Sarawak every year to be properly disposed of, without which, environmental pollution such as tyre fires, breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes and waterway pollution may occur, Dr Hazland emphasised.
The visit was the first location for the Environmental Tour Programme 2022 from Kuching to Lawas initiated by Dr Hazland to gather environmental issues with the involvement of Natural Resources And Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, State lawmakers, Members of Parliament, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, Public Works Department (JKR) and Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia.
Through the programme, the Demak Laut assemblyman hopes it will facilitate the State government and relevant departments and agencies in finding environmental solutions as well as increasing public awareness of the importance of environmental care.
During the visit, ZHA Sdn Bhd director Bernard Yong gave a briefing on the operation, the latest status of the Used Tyre Waste Management Programme and the processing of recycled used tyres using mechanical size reduction methods.
According to ZHA Collection head of Operations Wilfred Winson, this is the most environmentally friendly method as it does not use any chemicals and does not produce any harmful emissions to the environment. — DayakDaily