GEORGE TOWN – Penang intends to produce a new roadmap in managing solid waste, among others, in an effort to mitigate the increasing rate of rubbish and plastic waste collection effectively in the state, said state Local Government and Housing Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Jagdeep said the roadmap will involve handling tonnes solid waste disposal holistically by incorporating cost-effective measures for the next 30 years.
“The roadmap will pilot Penang’s handling of solid waste until 2050,” he told a press conference here.
The Penang government, he said, has appointed Usains Infotech Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary under Universiti Sains Malaysia, to conduct research and to help the Penang Island City Council and the Seberang Prai City Council to draft the roadmap.
“The research will also involve streamlining the planning and operations in solid waste and integrating the clean-up operations of both city councils here.
“There is also a need to also ensure that there is no overlapping of duties between state and federal sides,” said Jagdeep.
The roadmap, he said, will also help the state government ensure that its Vision 2030 sustainable development goals are met.
“This is by producing 300 tonnes of organic waste that can be converted into renewable energy processes and for Penang to be capable of recycling 70% of its waste materials here.
“The initiative is also in line with Penang’s efforts to fight the ill effects of climate change, as weather patterns are expected to have severe effects in terms of flooding and soil erosion.
“We also hope to reduce the average temperature by 1.5°C in the urban areas here and up to 7°C in shady areas (rural localities).
“If we can reduce the global warming phenomenon, we can also fight the rising rate of heat strokes,” he said.
Jagdeep expressed hope that revising the state’s approach to solid waste management will also help reduce flooding in the state.
“Penang is bracing for climate change through a few other initiatives with the ultimate aim of reducing its carbon footprint.
“Among them are the use of LED street lights, smart parking apps, installation of solar panels in public buildings, and the planting of up to 441,036 of tree saplings here.” – The Vibes, August 19, 2022
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