Systematic waste disposal, processing into resources can help preserve environment, says deputy minister

Dr Hazland (third left) is seen during the Sarawak Environmental Tour Programme at Kampung Bedup in Serian.

KUCHING, July 12: Waste disposal should be conducted systematically, said Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

According to the Demak Laut assemblyman in a statement today, issues relating to waste disposal are not unfamiliar in Malaysia as the amount of daily waste is rising due to the increasing rate of urbanisation and rapid population growth.

He added that many people think solid or domestic waste should be disposed of directly in landfills because it is worthless.

“However, solid waste can be processed into a source of energy and valuable materials for the country.

“At the same time, this preserves the environment through the method of disposing of solid waste to waste to energy technology or ‘Waste to Energy’ (WTE),” he said.

As part of the Sarawak Environmental Tour Programme (Program Jelajah Alam Sekitar), Dr Hazland visited Kampung Bedup in Serian to inspect the area’s transportation and waste disposal system.

According to Dr Hazland, the WTE method needs to be implemented because it not only ensures more sustainable waste management but also ensures the well-being of society.

Also present during the visit were Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus and officials from the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Department of Environment (DOE), and Serian District Council. — DayakDaily