The Terengganu government is planning to increase rubbish collection on Pulau Redang from once every two days to daily to address waste build-up on the popular resort island.
State Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the proposal was among the matters discussed during a visit to the island by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and members of the state executive council.
He said the visit also looked into the island’s solid waste management facilities, including the existing incinerator and its operations.
“We also looked at the waste house project currently being built by Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT), which is expected to be completed soon. Insya-Allah, after this the issue of waste accumulation will no longer occur in Pulau Redang,” he told Bernama.
Wan Sukairi said briefings on waste management were also provided by MBKT, the state Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and other stakeholders, including chalet and resort operators on the island.
The state government also took note of drainage issues on Pulau Redang and will examine the best ways to address them.
“With the input obtained and the proposals put forward, this can resolve issues related to solid waste or rubbish on Pulau Redang.
“This includes drainage issues and other matters on Pulau Redang. The state government has taken note of these matters and will look at the best methods and approaches for a solution,” he said.
UPEN said in a separate statement that the Menteri Besar’s working visit with state executive council members was aimed at assessing the condition of solid waste and sewage management facilities while identifying improvements needed to address waste disposal issues on the island.
It said several short-term and long-term options to address sewage waste management had been identified and were being studied to determine the most suitable approach.
“The state government will continue working with relevant agencies and resort operators to ensure solutions are implemented in an orderly and effective manner. Environmental protection and the sustainability of Pulau Redang will remain a priority, while ensuring visitors’ comfort,” it said.
