DBKU all for oxo-biodegradable plastics
KUCHING: The Kuching North City Commission ( DBKU) strives to raise awareness on the usage of oxo-biodegradable products, set to be advocated more widely next year, through periodic campaigns at shopping malls, schools and villages in areas under its jurisdiction.
According to Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, the initiative is in line with the government’s effort in establishing a more efficient solid waste management and thus, this would require collective commitment from all parties.
He says through these campaigns, it is hoped that traders, consumers and the community could ‘adjust themselves’ before the all- out promotion of oxobiodegradable products next year.
At the same time, this would educate them on the importance and advantages of such practice to the environment.
“We hope that the people would stop using plastic bags and switch to using oxo- biodegradable products. They can start by bringing their own reusable bags while shopping,” he said in a press statement released by DBKU.
According to the Datuk Bandar, the cooperation in reducing the use of plastic bags is crucial because plastic waste takes hundreds of years to decompose – even this would depend on the type and category of the plastics.
He pointed out that plastics would usually take between 100 and 500 years to decompose when planted – the impact of pollution would be greater if the plastic products were burnt.
In comparison, oxobiodegradable products only need one to two years to decompose.
“The production, disposal and decomposition of plastic bags are not as easy as expected. Although some parts may seem like they have been destroyed, but there are still chemicals (present) in the form of stable dust.
“The implication of using plastic-based materials, especially plastic bags, not only threatens the environment, but also the health and economy of the country,” said Abang Abdul Wahap.
In view of this, he regarded the use of oxo-biodegradable products as important because it could reduce environmental pollution, as well as reduce the cost of disposal of waste and also the plastic solid system.
“Not only do oxo-products take a shorter time to break down, they are also renewable, easier to recycle, non- toxic and environment-friendly.
“Hopefully from next year onwards, Kuching citizens will work together and support DBKU’s effort in empowering its oxobiodegradable products campaign, in addition to delivering the best quality service to Kuching’s development in line with the council’s ‘Clean, Beautiful and Safe Enhancement Plan’,” said Abang Abdul Wahap.