MIRI – Clinical waste is piling up at hospitals across Sarawak amid the state’s Covid-19 surge.
Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing today took to social media to highlight the numerous bags of clinical waste left in the Bintulu Hospital compound.
He alleged that a contractor hired by the government to dispose of the waste is not doing a proper job.
“At Bintulu Hospital, it has been found that piles of clinical waste, comprising items used by Covid-19 patients, are being left all over the hospital compound.
“The bags can be found even in the parking lots and mortuary area. This waste from Covid-19 patients is highly dangerous.
“It must be handled with utmost care. It is totally unacceptable that such dangerous items are not being taken seriously, and being left to pile up in public areas.”
The Progressive Democratic Party president said he has raised the matter with the hospital management and disposal company, but no action has been taken.
“Waste (in the form of) clinical products used by Covid-19 patients must be considered as hazardous materials. They cannot be treated in a trifle manner.
“They must be disposed of under strict protocols.”
Tiong suggested that incinerators be set up to dispose of waste generated by hospitals treating coronavirus patients.
He called on the state Disaster Management Committee to urgently address the matter.
Sarawak has seen 141 Covid-19 deaths and more than 23,000 infections so far.
Bintulu, Kuching, Sibu and Miri are the state’s worst-hit urban districts.
As of yesterday evening, 20 of Sarawak’s 40 districts were classified as red zones. – The Vibes, April 21, 2021
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