SIBU: An event on ‘pouring garbage enzymes into drains’ was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral (SHC) car park here yesterday.
The event was jointly organised by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) with SHC, Sarawak Art Living, coffee shops association, schools and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
According to SMC’s chief health inspector Ting Tin Teck, the enzyme mix to be poured to pipes regularly can help prevent the buildup of grease, soap scum, food particles, and organic materials in drains and sewer.
He said enzyme made from home food waste like fruit peels and vegetables can be used for cleaning of drains and washing of walkways to reduce ants and flies.
“Since prevention is the best cure, an enzyme drain cleaner is a low maintenance and useful tool made from food waste.
“It is an environmentally sustainable awareness exercise that we hope to continue,” he added.
Officiating at the event’s opening ceremony, SMC chairman Clarence Ting urged more NGOs especially neighbourhood committees (KRT) and Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) to carry out similar activities frequently in their respective areas to unclog the drains.
“This is very important and if they do this, then there will be less food waste. This is what we want to encourage as well. If we can reduce the amount of food waste going into the dumping site in Kemuyang, then the space site we need will also be reduced as well as the cost of running the scavenging service.
He said this year SMC has a budget of RM2 million for public health, largely for garbage scavenging service.
Anticipating that the cost would continue to increase, he pointed out it was a huge challenge for SMC to maintain this kind of service.
However, he stated such a service would continue even though it is very costly.
Meanwhile, the Regional Episcopal Commission for Creation Justice of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei chairman Right Reverend Bishop Joseph Hii, who also spoke, commended the SMC for instilling public awareness on taking care of mother earth.
He said the council had organised a lot of activities and programmes for the past few years towards the purpose.
He was also glad that there were school teachers who have been educating the young generations to do their part in protecting the environment.
