3R waste technology to rehabilitate Sandakan landfill
SANDAKAN (July 22): Sandakan is set to make a leap forward in sustainable waste management with the launch of Sabah's first landfill rehabilitation project using globally patented 3R technology.
IGNIS SG (Sabah) Sdn Bhd has officially signed a 12-year concession agreement, with an option to extend for another eight years, with the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS).
The agreement allows the company to rehabilitate the long-overdue Sungai Sibuga solid waste landfill, often referred to as a dead landfill.
IGNIS SG Executive Director Dr Davina Marcus said the initiative addresses the mounting waste management challenges faced by Sandakan.
'This is something I've planned for a long time. I've seen with my own eyes how landfill sites are growing into mountains of unmanaged waste. The space keeps expanding, and I believe it's time for a new solution, one that tackles the problem and contributes to environmental sustainability without adding to the waste pile,' she said.
Speaking during the launch of the Sungai Sibuga Landfill Rehabilitation Project on Tuesday, Davina said IGNIS SG has been given exclusive rights to develop and implement the rehabilitation works using IGNIS 3R technology, patented globally by its parent company, Ignis Environment Initiatives Sdn Bhd.
'This project will not only resolve long-standing waste disposal issues but also drive Sandakan towards green transformation,' she said.
According to Davina, the IGNIS 3R system offers a comprehensive, non-incineration and non-toxic treatment process, supporting Malaysia's Net-Zero Emission 2050 target and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
'The technology enables processing of buried waste without prior segregation, using a closed-loop zero waste-to-landfill approach. It also allows for land recovery for future use, and the extraction of reusable materials from old waste.'
She further explained that the project is fully funded under a Private Financing Initiative (PFI) by IGNIS SG (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, with support from EXIM Bank Malaysia, without financial backing from the state government or local authorities.
'This shows the financial sector's confidence in the project's viability and the effectiveness of IGNIS 3R technology on a commercial scale,' she added.
Currently, the project is in its initial implementation phase, with site works and mobilisation of IGNIS 3R machinery underway.
The Sandakan 3R Waste Rehabilitation Project is expected to be physically completed by July 2026.
'My hopes for this landfill project are very high. I want this to inspire others to commit to protecting the environment and freeing up landfill capacity that's becoming increasingly saturated with waste.
'I also hope this project will help reduce public health risks linked to environmental pollution, add value through land reuse, and contribute towards improving Sandakan's image as a city,' Davina said.
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