NIBONG TEBAL: Starting in July, Penang will resume enforcing its Waste Segregation at Source (WSAS) policy to cut solid waste management costs and safeguard the environment, announced State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
According to H’ng, non-compliance with the policy could result in fines up to RM500. He noted that the policy, initially enforced in 2017, was paused in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but will be reinstated next month.
“Reviving this policy allows us to collectively combat environmental pollution, maintain ecological balance, and reduce landfill waste,” H’ng stated at the Waste To Wealth Environmental Awareness Campaign Programme on June 23.
To raise awareness, the state government has collaborated with the Penang Green Council, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to produce educational campaign materials. Councillors and NGOs are also distributing pamphlets to inform the public about the WSAS policy and its significance.
H’ng emphasized the educational phase from January to June, which aimed to teach the public about proper waste segregation techniques.
He urged residents to adopt waste segregation practices to help Penang become a green and sustainable state by 2030.
During the event, H’ng highlighted the campaign’s goal of educating the public on waste management. Also for generating income or adding value to waste. He cited Seberang Perai’s high recyclable waste percentage of 58.36%, expressing confidence that improved management could help MBSP reduce costs and achieve a 70% recycling rate by 2030.
Source: The Star
