RM200,000 recycling centre set for Tabuan Hilir

KUCHING (Jan 26): The RM200,000 recycling centre project set for Tabuan Hilir here reflects the state government’s commitment to addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.

In addition, it would also open new economic opportunities for the local communities, said Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

Speaking at the Kampung Tabuan Melayu and Tabuan Park ‘gotong-royong’ (work party) drive yesterday, he said the project, funded under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) grant, would adopt a bioenergy approach – specifically ‘energy generated from waste’.

“Our Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) often highlights the concept of ‘waste to energy, waste to money’.

“Modern technology, including AI (artificial intelligence), will be used to systematically separate waste before the selected materials are processed to generate energy.

“Through controlled incineration, heat produced from waste will be used to drive turbines or generators,” said the Demak Laut assemblyman.

Citing data from Kuching North City Commission (MBKS), Dr Hazland said Kuching generated about 700 tonnes of domestic waste daily, while Sarawak as a whole produced an estimated 2,000 tonnes of waste each day from residential areas and industrial activities.

“The project will also introduce a reward-based system for residents, where waste collected can be converted into points.

“These points may later be redeemed as cash via SPay Global or exchanged for basic necessities like rice and sugar.”

On the exact location of the recycling centre, Dr Hazland said this had yet to be confirmed, but it could be near the Dewan Datuk Dr Haji Hazland of Kampung Tabuan Hilir.

“Once the exact location is identified, construction will kick off and project completion is expected within a year at the earliest,” he added.

Adding on, Dr Hazland called upon the residents of all seven villages in Kampung Tabuan Melayu to carry out ‘gotong-royong’ either once every two months, or once every three months.

He assured that the funding for this purpose was already in place to ensure consistent implementation.

“When we regularly carry out ‘gotong-royong’, our villages will be clean and, most importantly, it can reduce or control the spread of diseases, especially dengue and leptospirosis,” he said.

Yesterday’s ‘gotong-royonmg’ involved villagers of Kampung Tabuan SPC, Kampung Tabuan Lamak, Kampung Tabuan Tengah, Kampung Tabuan Hilir, Kampung Tabuan Lot Dani, Kampung Tabuan Lot, and Muara Tabuan.

It is informed that overall, Kampung Terbuan Melayu comprises more than 2,000 houses with a population of about 14,000 people.

Yesterday’s programme also included the presentation of incentives to 32 students from the area who were accepted into institutions of higher learning (IPTs) last year.

To the students, Dr Hazland said: “I hope you would study diligently, especially now with the free education provided by the state government at Sarawak-owned universities.

“We need more technology experts and engineers.

“In the next four to five years, you will be valuable assets to help manage and implement our new projects.”