Two incinerators for waste management in the pipeline

KUCHING: Sarawak is set to have two incinerators for waste management, replacing the current landfill method.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) will conduct a study on this technology, with results expected by the end of this year or the first quarter of the next.

He assured that these incinerators will generate renewable energy and create revenue for the state.

“If the study concludes in the first quarter of next year, we could potentially start implementation in 2026. This long-term plan aims to manage various types of waste, including solid, domestic, and petroleum waste.

“Our focus is on sustainability, meaning at least 50 per cent of the waste can be recovered. The investment will also be worthwhile.

“The current landfill in Mambong involves burying and landscaping waste, but residue remains. It’s inefficient to dispose of it there without generating income. With incinerators, we can at least generate some revenue,” he said.

He told reporters this after officiating at the 36th Anniversary of Kuching City at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Square here today.

Abang Johari further explained that the incinerator plants will emulate Sweden’s model.

“While Japan and China have similar models, Sweden’s approach is particularly relevant because their population is about five million, similar to ours.

“Sweden also sells energy from waste and interestingly, they don’t import waste; they recycle. With our population of about three million, our scale is comparable to Sweden’s,” he added.

Abang Johari noted that the incinerator plants will be located in the northern and southern regions of the state.

The southern zone will handle waste from Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong, while the northern zone will cover Bintulu, Sarikei, Sibu, Miri, and Limbang.

However, he said the exact locations for the incinerator plants have not yet been determined.

“If we use incinerators, the waste volume must be substantial. Kuching alone generates about 700 tons of waste per day.

“So, we will collect waste from Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong in one zone, placing the incinerator centrally within that zone.

“In the northern zone, we also have significant waste, particularly from industries in Samalaju and Kidurong. So we will collect waste based on the population in each zone,” he said.