THE Penang government wants to embrace innovative technologies for solid waste management to move away from traditional reliance on landfills, according to Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo.
He said this is part of the government’s goal of achieving zero carbon footprint by 2050 when he launched a ‘Rescue Veggie Movement’ ceremony at Pulau Mutiara Wholesale Market in Macallum Street Ghaut in George Town today.
“We do not want to see landfills, like the one in Jelutong which has become a ‘gunung’ (mountain). Many places are not using landfills anymore.
“We are exploring the latest methodology employed worldwide. The integration of new technologies in waste management is on our agenda.
“I am happy to see the community coming together. We want to reduce carbon emissions and move forward with our green initiatives.
“This is the way forward, and we are going to see new things happening,” Jagdeep said.
He emphasised that the adoption of new technologies would be a pivotal aspect when issuing requests for proposals for projects related to the Pulau Burung landfill.
During the ‘Rescue Veggie Movement’ launching ceremony, Jagdeep applauded SMJK Convent Datuk Keramat (CDK) for representing Penang in the Toyota Youth Eco programme, an initiative spearheaded by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) since 2001.
The programme aims to foster environmental awareness and instil a profound respect for planet Earth among secondary school students.
Jagdeep also commended the school’s collaborative partners such as Pasar Borong Pulau Mutiara Association and Mutiara Food Bank.
“Through their concerted efforts, a total of 2,653.1 kilograms of vegetables were ‘rescued’ and distributed to needy families,” said Jagdeep, who later had the honour of putting the finishing touch to a mural painting by artist Azmi Hussin and autographing a plaque on the wall of the market complex.
Calling themselves The Veggie Waste Avengers, the Convent Datuk Keramat team will be represented by four Form Two students in the competition at The Everly Putrajaya Hotel in Putrajaya from Jan 21 to 23.
They are Ong Jing Mei (group leader), Baidehi Saravanan, Ainul Mardhiah and Tan Li Sha. Accompanying them is their English teacher and adviser Chua Kia Yee.
“We focus on food waste as Penang is a state renowned for its food. Between November 21 and December 26 last year, we rescued 2,653.1kg of edible vegetables which would otherwise be dumped into the landfill.
“Our team facilitated the transfer of veggies donated by market sellers, coordinated by association members, to the Mutiara Food Bank vans. This initiative not only prevented food waste but also contributed to supporting those in need,” Chua explained.
Also present at the ceremony were Wei Paik Chin, principal of SMJK Convent Datuk Keramat; Anna Loo, a representative from the Parent-Teacher Association; Mohamed Rusdan Maidin, assistant director (Student Talent Development Unit, Penang State Education Department); Andrew Looi, president of Penang Prangin Market Traders’ Association; Tan Ban Ben, president of Penang Island Vegetable Wholesaler Association; Jasniza Jamaluddin, deputy operation officer of Mutiara Food Bank, and artist Azmi Hussin.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting