CHINA: Sarawak has taken steps to strengthen its sewage and waste management systems through a study visit to Xiangyang City, Hubei Province.
A statement said the delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, visited key treatment facilities on Sept 9.
Among the facilities toured were the Guanyinge Sewage Treatment Plant, the Yuliangzhou Sewage Treatment Plant, and the Xiangyang City Urban Sludge and Kitchen Waste Treatment Centre.
“The lessons learned in Xiangyang are highly relevant to Sarawak’s priorities under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, particularly in advancing the circular economy, enhancing sludge treatment technologies, and exploring renewable energy generation from waste,” the statement said.
The Guanyinge Sewage Treatment Plant, with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes per day, operates with advanced biological processes to treat urban wastewater.
Meanwhile, the Yuliangzhou Sewage Treatment Plant, with a combined capacity of 300,000 tonnes per day, is designed to manage complex urban loads.
All sludge from both plants is transported to the Xiangyang City Urban Sludge and Kitchen Waste Treatment Centre, which captures biogas from sewage sludge, food waste, and organic liquid.
Operational since 2014, the facility has successfully produced biodiesel, compressed natural gas, and biochar, while also exploring green hydrogen and carbon nano-materials.
“This proactive engagement reflects the Sarawak State Government’s commitment to future-proofing sewage infrastructure and services,” it added.
Through continued investment in sustainable technologies and international partnerships, it said Sarawak is positioning sewage management as a driver of environmental protection, public health improvement, and economic resilience.
