KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Rural Development Ministry is looking at several solid waste management models to resolve uncollected garbage issue in rural areas within this year.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun said the Ministry had conducted studies on the matter and resloving rural garbage collection was essential, before it caused more pollution to the environment, particularly rivers.
“We have local councils to handle the solid waste management in major towns and cities. However, there is no such service (systematic and scheduled rubbish collection) in the rural areas.
“Some villagers burn the rubbish, others throw them into the river, causing all sorts of pollution, affecting the respective habitats,” she said.
Rina said her Ministry was looking at a few proposals on how to manage the solid waste, including working with the private sector as well as local councils and other relevant authorities.
“We are looking at waste segregation, setting up of garbage dumping site as well as projects to ensure effective sewerage, irrigation and drainage system in the rural areas,” she said.
She said several locations in the Peninsular for rural solid waste management had been identified.
Official announcement will be made after everything has been finalised, she said.
Rina was speaking to the reporters after the launch of the first Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) in Sarawak here today.
Touching on the toxic chemical pollution at Sungai Kim Kim in Pasir Gudang, Rina said it was a wake-up call to everyone.
"The local community leaders must not wait but act promptly if they receive information regarding any environmental pollution activities in their area.
"In addition, we must also be aware of illegal logging which contributes to environmental issues as well.
“Illegal logging in Sarawak has reached alarming proportions after the numbers increased from 299 cases in 2016 to 492 cases in 2017.
"Rural community must be aware and report to the authorities if there are suspicious activities like cutting down trees in their village,” she said.