By Jenne Lajiun onSabah
For the freshest news, join The Borneo Post's Telegram Channel and The Borneo Post on Newswav.
Sabin and Nicolas showing the MoU documents signed, while Abidin looks on.
KOTA KINABALU (April 9): The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) today, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability and smarter waste management in the city.
The agreements were inked with the Marine Research Foundation (MRF), Legenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd (LBSB) and My Protech Sdn Bhd (Arus Oil).
According to the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, who is also the minister in charge of DBKK, the MoU signed with MRF demonstrates DBKK’s commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in protecting the marine ecosystem, which is vital to life in and around Kota Kinabalu.
He said that sea pollution is a global challenge that also affects our waters, which have great potential in the tourism and fisheries sectors.
“Through the Marine Debris Action Plan initiative, we not only carry out the cleaning of plastic waste from the sea but go beyond that by developing a scientific data system that serves as a foundation for more effective and forward-thinking public policy planning.
“As the minister in charge, I believe this initiative will have a significant impact on our efforts to transform Kota Kinabalu into a city that prioritises environmental sustainability and values its valuable marine resources,” he said.
With regard to the MoU with Legenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd, Abidin explained that it focuses on the management of electronic waste, or e-waste.
“As a state that is rapidly moving towards digitalization and high technology, the management of e-waste is becoming increasingly crucial. This cooperation provides a solution through ‘Waste-to-Energy’ (WTE) technology, which not only ensures sustainable waste management but also contributes to the generation of green energy, helping to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions,” said Abidin.
He added that the implementation of this program aligns with the Sabah government’s commitment to realising the Sabah Maju Jaya Agenda, which focuses on the green economy and resource sustainability.
As for the third MoU with My Protech Sdn Bhd (Arus Oil), Abidin explained that it is focused on the management of used cooking oil (UCO) which has been a major issue in waste management in the city.
“The disposal of cooking oil into the drain not only pollutes the environment but also disrupts the drainage system, which has the potential to create an even bigger problem,” he said.
He added that with this cooperation, a comprehensive management system will be introduced, including technology that converts UCA into biodiesel, which is more environmentally friendly.
Aside from that, the used cooking oil collection system also encourages the public to be more responsible for the waste they produce, Abidin added.
“As the minister in charge, I see this initiative as an innovative approach to the management of resources and waste and will help make Kota Kinabalu a cleaner and more environmentally friendly city.
“On the whole, the signing of the three MoUs will have a huge impact on the effort to make Kota Kinabalu a city that is smart, sustainable and competitive,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by DBKK Mayor Dato Sri Dr Sabin Samitah, Arus Oil Chief Executive Officer Mohd Shazwan Abdul Majid, Legenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd Managing Director Datuk Tan Pek Chian and MRF Executive Director Dr Nicolas J. Pilcher.
