Urgent need to address plastic pollution — NREB
SIBU: There is an urgent need to address plastic pollution which has become a pressing problem, Natural Resources and Environment Board ( NREB) acting controller Justine Jok Jau Emang cautioned yesterday.
He said plastic waste had become a major pollutant in rivers and landfills.
“Plastic that can break will turn into small particles and will only decompose when it is being exposed to ultraviolet radiation, oxygen, high temperature and microorganism activities for a certain period.
“The plastic that breaks and decomposes at the sea will become a micro-plastic and nano-plastic which pose danger to various aquatic lives, and enters the food chain of human beings,” he pointed out.
He was speaking at the closing of the state level Environmental Education for Environment Lovers Club ( PALS) Teacher Advisors Workshop at RAVE YMCA Sibu.
Stressing the need to reduce the use of plastic items in daily life, Justine said the easiest way to protect the nature is the change of lifestyle and reduce the dependency on plastic usage.
“Bringing your own bag when you go shopping can reduce the usage of plastic bags.
“NREB also gives PALS club grants to school every year for their environmental activities or projects.
“Because the plastic pollution is such a pressing issue, next year the PALS club grants will only be given to schools that focus on cleanliness and plastic pollution issues,” he disclosed.
According to him, PALS Club is a flagship programme by NREB which has been introduced at various schools in Sarawak since 1999.
The objective is to instill the love for nature among students.
“Today, 375 schools in Sarawak have established PALS Club. This is a positive development and hope that PALS Clubs can continue to stay relevant with the nation’s goal that focus on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD),” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the overall environmental issue in the state is under control and could be solved through enforcement, education, scientifically and global cooperation.
Emphasising the complexity of environmental issue, he said it can be addressed through various approaches, like enforcement, education and global cooperation.
“Over the last 25 years, NREB had implemented various activities to ensure a clean, green and healthy Sarawak.
“NREB has its headquarters at Petra Jaya , and offices in Kuching, Betong, Sibu, Bintulu, Mukah, Miri and Limbang.
“We hope to establish a new office in Kapit,” he revealed.
Also present at the event was general manager of Health, Safety, Security and Environment Division of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Robin Tigai.