By Karen Bong & Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Nov 8: The Sarawak government is planning to establish integrated e-waste collection centres in locations across the State beginning next year to enable and encourage the public to responsibly dispose of their e-waste.
This initiative, driven by the success of e-waste collection programmes in the past two years, will be implemented in collaboration with registered e-waste collectors under the Department of Environment (DOE).
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that in 2022, e-waste collection campaigns at 26 locations gathered an impressive 218,779 kilogrammes (218.779 metric tonnes), marking the second-highest collection in Malaysia for the year.
“The e-waste collection programme has also continued throughout 2023, and as of Oct 31, a total of 96,524.99kg (96.52499 metric tonnes) has been successfully collected from 32 locations across Sarawak.
“These campaigns have had a positive impact, and the people of Sarawak are becoming more aware of the significance of correctly managing e-waste in accordance with established procedures,” he said in his text-of-speech read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the State-level National Environmental Day 2023 celebration at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today.
In State divisions where registered collection centres are not available, Abang Johari encouraged existing recycling centres to register with the DOE to allow them to receive and collect e-waste from the public.
Additionally, he also recomended that local authorities (PBT) establish collection centres for this purpose so that Sarawak will have a more organised system for collecting and managing e-waste in the future.
“I’d like to stress that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility, and it doesn’t solely rest on the government’s shoulders.
“It is the duty of all parties to protect the environment and foster a sense of responsibility to bring about positive change and ensure Sarawak remains clean, green, and healthy. Let’s work together in our shared mission to protect and nurture the beloved natural beauty of Sarawak,” he said.
The event also saw two corporate entities, namely Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd contributing RM12,000 to eight schools, and Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd contributing RM6,500 to four schools for environmental club activities, aiming to instill environmental consciousness among students.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, and Deputy Minister of Energy and Environment Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni were among those present. — DayakDaily
