Cycle economy opens up new economic opportunities in Sarawak

SERIAN, Oct 27: Sarawak Government committed to improve waste management, reduce waste and recover valuable resources to create new economic opportunities.

Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that waste management and circular economy are among the priority areas for state development through the 13th Malaysia Plan of Sarawak (2026-2030).

He said the approach is in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 which emphasizes environmental sustainability as well as sustainable resource use.

"Societies need to see waste as a recyclable resource, not an unusable material. The circular economy does not necessarily begin with the construction of large factories or the use of expensive machinery. It can start with family practices of avoiding food waste, students reusing used materials and businesses using previously discarded materials", he said.

He said this during the inauguration of InnoWaste MPHLG 2026 coinciding with Sarawak Public Service Innovation Month here today.

In addition, the approach has the potential to generate new ideas, develop local businesses and create employment opportunities, as well as conserve the environment including rivers, villages and urban areas.

"Environmental protection is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of government, society, schools and business sectors. Practices such as reducing waste, isolating recycled materials and maintaining clean waterways and rivers should be implemented in everyday life", he said.

InnoWaste MPHLG 2026 which took place over two days, from 26 to 27 October, was attended by more than 170 kindergarten, primary and secondary school students, in addition to the participation of six district councils. -TVS