Deputy minister proposes setting up e-waste recycling centre at Taman Indah Teku

SIBU (Dec 29): Another e-waste recycling centre might be set up at the Taman Indah Teku Sunday Market, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.

He said the proposed facility would complement the existing e-waste recycling centre at Jalan Mantis, and was much needed for Sibu due to the abundance of ICT and consumer electronics.

“The existing facility is not enough for Sibu; we need at least one more. Earlier, I discussed the matter with Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting.

“I hope that SMC can quickly designate a place at the Taman Indah Teku Sunday Market, and discuss with the Land and Survey Department to get approval and build a centre,” he told reporters after the Sarawak ICT Association (Sicta) Sibu branch e-waste recycling campaign yesterday.

The Pelawan assemblyman said that under the ministry, recycling and reuse campaigns have been organised among primary and secondary schools as it was necessary to educate the younger generation on these matters.

He added that the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Authority will be established sometime next year to regulate waste management.

“This means people cannot simply dispose of their waste; there will be stringent rules and waste must be sent to the designated channel for recycling or management. Every type of waste will be subject to regulation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sicta president Kong Sieng Sieng said yesterday’s event meant to raise public awareness on the proper handling of e-waste, reduce environmental pollution, promote resource recycling, and move towards a sustainable and greener Sarawak.

“With the rapid pace of technological upgrades, the volume of e-waste has been increasing year by year. If not handled properly, the hazardous substances contained in e-waste can cause long-term harm to the environment and public health.

“Through this activity, Sicta hopes to encourage the public to hand over unused electronics to licensed and professional recycling entities for safe and proper disposal,” he said.