KUCHING: Integrated e-waste collection sites will be set up across the state next year to promote responsible disposal of electronic trash.
The move which will be undertaken by the state government is driven by the success of e-waste collection initiatives in the recent past.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said its implementation will be done in collaboration with Department of Environment (DOE)-registered e-waste collectors.
He said e-waste collection efforts in 26 sites in 2022 led to an astounding collection of 218,779 kilos (or around 219 metric tons) of e-waste, making it the second highest collection in Malaysia that year.
The e-waste collection effort has continued this year and as of Oct 31 a total of 96,524.99 kilos (about 97 metric tons) of e-waste has been collected from 32 sites in Sarawak, he said.
He said this during the state-level National Environmental Day celebration at the State Legislative Assembly complex here Wednesday. His speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Abang Johari urged recycling facilities that are already in place to register with the DOE in order to accept and gather e-waste from the public in regions without authorised collection sites.
In order to construct a more structured system for the collection and handling of e-waste in Sarawak, he also suggested that local authorities (PBT) set up collection facilities.
Abang Johari stressed that taking care of the environment is not just the government’s job but a shared obligation.
In order to preserve Sarawak’s clean, green, and healthy environment, everyone should cooperate, he said.
At the celebration, two business organisations, Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd, contributed to four schools to support environmental club activities and raise student understanding of environmental issues.
