LAWAS: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has commended the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Lawas for being the first institution in the state to use recycled plastic in road construction.
He said the technology not only helps reduce plastic waste but also offers a solution to the recurring problem of damaged rural roads, especially in logging areas.
“We have many logging roads, as highlighted by Ba’kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian. Therefore, we must develop technologies to make use of the plastic collected.
“The process involves crushing the plastic into raw material, which is then mixed with bitumen and tar oil to build roads,” he said at the launch of CENTEXS Lawas Campus on Monday (Aug 25).
The 100-metre pilot project was carried out in collaboration with Janatek Resources and Renergy Bumi Hijau Sdn Bhd, utilising nearly 400 kilograms of plastic waste collected nationwide.
Abang Johari added that circular economy approaches such as this bring added value not only to the construction sector but also to agriculture, energy, and food production.
The Green Asphalt project was fully developed by local expertise—from concept to execution—and forms part of the Sarawak Plastic Waste Management and Circular Economy Policy, which emphasises recycling, waste reduction, and extending material life cycles towards achieving a Zero Waste future.
Apart from being more durable, the recycled plastic-based road technology also reduces long-term maintenance costs while contributing to efforts in cutting plastic pollution.
An inclusive approach was also adopted through the involvement of local communities in plastic waste collection, helping to raise environmental awareness and creating additional income opportunities.
