PUJUT state assemblyman, Adam Yii Siew Sang, has called for monetary incentives to encourage greater public participation in waste segregation and recycling.
He said incentivising households and businesses could accelerate behavioural change, promote greener habits, and strengthen Sarawak’s transition towards a circular economy.
“Most of the time, people respond positively when they feel their efforts are recognised and rewarded.
“Incentive mechanisms will help ensure that the ambitions of this Bill are translated into real, effective on-the-ground action,” he said when debating on the Sustainable Resources and Waste Management Bill 2025 here today.
Yii highlighted Miri City Council’s upcoming initiative, the ‘Monetise Your Waste & Incentivise Waste Segregation’ programme, which will take effect from January 1, 2026.
“The scheme, which includes provisions for food waste, is part of Miri’s broader ‘Green, Smart, and Most Liveable International Resort City by 2030’ plan.
“It aims to recover a significant percentage of waste through mandatory segregation and recycling, potentially saving an estimated RM12 million annually in waste management costs,” he added.
Beyond incentives, Yii said the Bill provides a comprehensive legal, regulatory, and operational framework for sustainable waste management across Sarawak.
“It establishes a central authority empowered to regulate industry players, conduct research, promote public awareness, and enforce rules on segregation, collection, recycling, treatment, and safe disposal,” he said.
Yii said the Bill also aligns with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 by supporting green industries, including recycling, biomass processing, waste-to-energy, and material recovery, while creating high-paying, skilled jobs and new business opportunities for SMEs.
Highlighting the environmental and public health benefits, he stressed that proper waste management would protect rivers, reduce pollution, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and lower risks associated with contaminated water, air pollution, and mosquito breeding.
Yii also called for structured transition guidance and training for contractors and SMEs to help them comply with the new licensing and regulatory requirements.
“Monetary incentives, combined with public awareness and strong enforcement, will ensure Sarawakian households, communities, and businesses actively participate in building a green and circular economy,” he said.
The Bill will also enhance Sarawak’s appeal to global investors by demonstrating strong environmental governance standards, he added.
