KUCHING: The Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 has received widespread support for its emphasis on waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable development, aligning with Sarawak’s broader sustainability goals.

At the core of Sarawak's Zero Waste Agenda is the drive to reduce consumption and waste generation, while promoting the reuse and repair of products, as well as the recycling of materials into new products.

Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang, highlighted that the Circular Economy approach is a key strategy for realising the state's Zero Waste objectives.

“By designing products for longevity, minimising waste, and maximising resource efficiency, Sarawak is taking concrete steps towards a more sustainable future,” he said during the debate on the Bill on the second day of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting on Tuesday.

Sarawak’s circular economy model encourages sharing, leasing, reusing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products to extend their lifecycle.

Dato Ir Lo further explained that while Zero Waste remains the ultimate goal, the Circular Economy provides a realistic framework for achieving this by promoting the creation of durable, repairable, and recyclable products.

"A Circular Economy supports our Zero Waste vision by fostering a system where products are designed to last, be repaired, and eventually recycled. This approach not only benefits the environment but also aids in restoring Sarawak’s ecosystems and preserving its natural resources,” he added.

In tandem with these initiatives, a significant element of Sarawak’s sustainability strategy involves waste-to-energy (WTE) projects to address rising waste management challenges.

The state has plans to construct two advanced incinerators that will process waste from Kuching to Limbang, reducing the reliance on landfills and generating clean energy from waste.

“These incinerators will not only minimise the need for landfills but will also produce electricity from waste, providing a dual solution to our waste management issues and contributing to the state’s energy supply,” Dato Ir Lo explained.

Moreover, he noted Sarawak is exploring innovative ways to convert agricultural waste, such as paddy husks and oil palm residues, into biomass for energy production.

Using cutting-edge technology, the state aims to combine biomass with coal to generate ‘blue energy’, a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional coal-fired power plants.

In its drive towards sustainable energy production, he said Sarawak also plans to export surplus energy generated from waste and other renewable sources to neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, underscoring its commitment to regional energy cooperation and sustainable development.-UKASnews