GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government is advising its people to choose reusable face masks instead of disposable ones to reduce the amount of medical waste in the state, which has spiked due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Penang environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said that while surgical masks are laudable, people should be wary of the rising amount of medical waste contributing to the state’s solid waste.
In addition, medical waste such as personal protective equipment (PPE) has been found dumped at public areas like recreational parks.
“We are sending all medical waste to a special incinerator in Taiping, Perak, but we prefer a lower load in order to spare the environment.
“Reusable masks, on the other hand, can be washed and reworn,” said Phee.
Meanwhile, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (Gaia) headquartered in the Philippines has issued a statement calling on governments to invest in the zero-waste economic concept as part of the Covid-19 recovery effort.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is part of the Gaia movement.
A Gaia report highlights the fact that by forging partnerships with informal recyclers (waste pickers) using dedicated economic recovery funds, governments can transition to implementing zero-waste city systems. – The Vibes, March 1, 2021
