SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is moving towards finalising a long-term strategy to address the increasing plastic waste at the Kemuyang sanitary landfill, as Cell Number Two approaches full capacity.
SMC Chairman, Clarence Ting Ing Horh, said immediate and sustainable solutions are being considered, with an emphasis on infrastructure upgrades and critical equipment investment to ensure the landfill’s longevity.
“We are now at a crucial stage where long-term planning is needed.
“The high volume of plastic in household waste is accelerating the saturation of our landfill cells, and without proper compaction equipment, the situation will worsen,” he said during the council’s full board meeting on Monday.
The council is currently preparing Cell Number Three, but Ting stressed that effective waste management will require more than just constructing additional cells.
He added that the council is seriously considering acquiring a shredder to break down plastic waste, which would enhance compaction and extend the usability of existing and future landfill cells.
“Investing in a shredder is a practical step forward. It is far more cost-effective than constantly building new landfill cells. We must look at infrastructure that supports long-term waste management,” he said.
According to Ting, a compactor had been used in the past but proved ineffective due to the high proportion of plastic in the waste.
Previous procurement plans were hindered by the high costs of machinery and maintenance.
“Once Cell Number Three is operational, we have no clear site for the next cell.
“This is why it is urgent that we finalise our long-term infrastructure strategy, especially in acquiring the right tools to manage waste efficiently,” he added.
The council is expected to make a decision soon, taking into account both immediate needs and sustainable infrastructure planning.
