KOTA KINABALU – A state enactment on solid waste management and public cleanliness is in the works, and is expected to be tabled in the Sabah assembly next year.
The state is also looking to ban the use of disposable plastics next year.
“The enactment is in the final stages of preparation and expected to be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly early next year," said state Assistant Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih.
He said this is due to the increasing amount of solid waste, and household and industrial waste as the population grows.
“The enactment will later allocate powers to the local councils in areas related to enforcement, collection and disposal of solid waste.
“In addition, the by-laws prohibiting the use of disposable plastics in business premises are in the final stages of review.”
Isnin said various initiatives and programmes have been and are being implemented to boost solid waste management.
“Among them are the implementation of the construction of garbage houses, landfills, composting programmes, food-waste segregation, implementation of mini-incinerators and beach-cleaning projects.
“Hygiene and recycling awareness campaigns among the community will also be carried out.
“To further enhance the green culture, the ministry has also implemented a 3R – reduce, reuse, recycle – programme.”
He said two landfills will be upgraded next year.
“The use of food-waste processor machines will be increased and rubbish bin facilities will be increased in cities and towns.”
Isnin said his ministry plans to develop Level 4 landfills.
“The ministry will also explore the use of new environmentally friendly waste disposal technology in urban areas to reduce the burden of transporting rubbish to landfills.
“With the planning and implementation of policies, projects and programmes that have been arranged, the ministry hopes to achieve the goal of creating a comprehensive, integrated, cost effective and sustainable solid waste management and public clean-up.” – The Vibes, December 23, 2020
