KUCHING: Environmental education is viewed as a crucial factor in shaping a new generation that is more responsible for the planet’s sustainability.
According to Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment of Sarawak, this approach also has the potential to correct wasteful habits and the growing culture of apathy toward pollution.
“Society must begin to take responsibility for every action taken, especially those that impact the environment.
“The most important thing is to build a culture where responsibility becomes the foundation of every action,” he said during the Closing Ceremony of the 2024 Sarawak PALS Club Teacher Advisor Education Workshop today.
Elaborating further, Len stated that issues related to solid waste, domestic waste, national waste, liquid waste, and various other forms of refuse have become a global challenge that requires collective action.
This issue is not only faced in Malaysia but is also a concern worldwide.
“At present, seven key approaches are being studied to dispose of various types of waste more effectively.
“And from the state government’s side, we are responsible for reviewing each development plan and seeking sustainable solutions to address waste problems, including solid and organic waste,” he explained.
While acknowledging that this process requires time, investment, and continued growth, he stressed the need for immediate action to prevent future generations from inheriting the same problems.
Len also shared that disposal technologies using chemical and biological materials are currently being designed as a foundation for developing the surrounding economy.
However, he warned that such efforts would not succeed unless there is societal behaviour and lifestyle change.
“Imagine, we have around 2.7 to 3.2 million people. If each person drinks bottled mineral water and discards the bottle into the river or anywhere, we will produce over three million discarded plastic bottles every day.
“That’s just mineral water bottles. It doesn’t include plastic packaging and other waste materials. Moreover, food wastage is becoming increasingly alarming.
“We eat more than we need. Food is prepared for 10 people, but only five eat. Eventually, the excess food is thrown away and becomes waste,” he said.
Due to this, Len emphasised that wasteful habits must be curbed, beginning with reducing portion sizes.
“There’s no need for seven different dishes. Oversized portions only contribute to high disposal costs,” he explained.
He therefore urged that culture, lifestyle, and public attitudes be changed immediately.
He called on all parties to come together to find the best solutions to reduce wastage holistically.
