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Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim: Japan's approach to recycling a model example of waste management
Dr Sim (fifth right) performs the launch gimmick for the Desa Wira Recycling Centre together with other invited guests. — Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 19): Sarawakians should emulate Japan's disciplined approach to recycling and waste management to support the state's sustainability goals under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The Deputy Premier said Japan offers a model example of environmental consciousness that Sarawak should strive to follow. 'In Japan, public places have no rubbish bins. Don't tell me Japanese have no rubbish. They take the rubbish home to throw because in every house, they have green bins, orange bins, red bins. So they bring their rubbish home to appropriately put in the right bins. 'So, as we journey towards Sarawak Maju Makmur, we want Sarawakians to have the same thinking, but actually do something,' he said at the launch of the Desa Wira Recycling Centre at the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Nursery in Desa Wira here Saturday. The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister said effective waste management cannot be shouldered by the government alone, but requires a concerted effort from all layers of society. 'The government is trying its best. It's not just about the government having a lot to do, we need everyone to play their role and do their part. In fact, waste management is very challenging. 'So, we want the public to understand—you need to play your role and do your part. The council needs to do the same, and the government also needs to play its role and do its part. Because we all agree we want to do recycling.' He pointed out that waste management was a significant expenditure for local authorities. For instance, he said MPP allocated RM10 million from its annual budget for waste-related services. 'What's quite funny about waste management is that we spend a lot of money to buy things, and then spend a lot of money to throw away things, and spend a lot more money to get rid of it. So it doesn't make sense,' he added. The event marked the collaboration between MPP and Tzu Chi Foundation Kuching, a non-governmental organisation actively promoting community recycling efforts. Dr Sim revealed since the centre began operations on March 24 this year, over three tonnes of recyclable materials, including clothing, has been collected. 'If Tzu Chi didn't help us, we would have to pay people to get rid of three tonnes of waste. But now, we're making good use of those three tonnes and helping others in the process. 'This is very much in line with our Premier's PCDS 2030, which is about being environmentally sustainable. We want to sustain it, not just throw away.' Dr Sim also condemned irresponsible practices, such as dumping construction waste at recycling centres to avoid disposal charges. 'Some people want to be rich, but they don't love Sarawak. If you do this, how can Sarawak be 'maju dan makmur' (progressive and prosperous)?' he asked. To prevent such misuse, he said the new centre has been integrated with the MPP Nursery, where staff can guide the public on proper recycling practices and monitor the materials being dropped off. 'Not everything is recyclable. A concrete block—how do you recycle that? So this centre is not just to prevent illegal dumping but also to educate the public.' Therefore, he commended Tzu Chi volunteers for their tireless contributions and professional standards. 'This is how important community partnerships are. They are volunteers, but they do a professional job. So, congratulations to them,' he added. Also present were MPP chairman Tan Kai and his deputy Mahmud Ibrahim; MPP acting secretary Goh Thiam Ho; and Tzu Chi Foundation volunteer Voon Mee Lee. Dr Sim Kui Hian Japan lead Recycling waste management
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Japan's approach to recycling a model example of waste management — Dr Sim
Dr Sim (fifth right) performs the launch gimmick for the Desa Wira Recycling Centre together with other invited guests. — Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 19): Sarawakians should emulate Japan's disciplined approach to recycling and waste management to support the state's sustainability goals under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The Deputy Premier said Japan offers a model example of environmental consciousness that Sarawak should strive to follow. 'In Japan, public places have no rubbish bins. Don't tell me Japanese have no rubbish. They take the rubbish home to throw because in every house, they have green bins, orange bins, red bins. So they bring their rubbish home to appropriately put in the right bins. 'So, as we journey towards Sarawak Maju Makmur, we want Sarawakians to have the same thinking, but actually do something,' he said at the launch of the Desa Wira Recycling Centre at the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Nursery in Desa Wira here Saturday. The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister said effective waste management cannot be shouldered by the government alone, but requires a concerted effort from all layers of society. 'The government is trying its best. It's not just about the government having a lot to do, we need everyone to play their role and do their part. In fact, waste management is very challenging. 'So, we want the public to understand—you need to play your role and do your part. The council needs to do the same, and the government also needs to play its role and do its part. Because we all agree we want to do recycling.' He pointed out that waste management was a significant expenditure for local authorities. For instance, he said MPP allocated RM10 million from its annual budget for waste-related services. 'What's quite funny about waste management is that we spend a lot of money to buy things, and then spend a lot of money to throw away things, and spend a lot more money to get rid of it. So it doesn't make sense,' he added. The event marked the collaboration between MPP and Tzu Chi Foundation Kuching, a non-governmental organisation actively promoting community recycling efforts. Dr Sim revealed since the centre began operations on March 24 this year, over three tonnes of recyclable materials, including clothing, has been collected. 'If Tzu Chi didn't help us, we would have to pay people to get rid of three tonnes of waste. But now, we're making good use of those three tonnes and helping others in the process. 'This is very much in line with our Premier's PCDS 2030, which is about being environmentally sustainable. We want to sustain it, not just throw away.' Dr Sim also condemned irresponsible practices, such as dumping construction waste at recycling centres to avoid disposal charges. 'Some people want to be rich, but they don't love Sarawak. If you do this, how can Sarawak be 'maju dan makmur' (progressive and prosperous)?' he asked. To prevent such misuse, he said the new centre has been integrated with the MPP Nursery, where staff can guide the public on proper recycling practices and monitor the materials being dropped off. 'Not everything is recyclable. A concrete block—how do you recycle that? So this centre is not just to prevent illegal dumping but also to educate the public.' Therefore, he commended Tzu Chi volunteers for their tireless contributions and professional standards. 'This is how important community partnerships are. They are volunteers, but they do a professional job. So, congratulations to them,' he added. Also present were MPP chairman Tan Kai and his deputy Mahmud Ibrahim; MPP acting secretary Goh Thiam Ho; and Tzu Chi Foundation volunteer Voon Mee Lee. Dr Sim Kui Hian Japan lead Recycling waste management
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Japan's approach to recycling a model example of S'wak waste management, says Dr Sim
Dr Sim launches the Desa Wira Recycling Centre. — Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 17): Sarawakians should emulate Japan's disciplined approach to recycling and waste management to support the state's sustainability goals under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said Japan offers a model example of environmental consciousness that Sarawak should strive to follow. 'In Japan, public places have no rubbish bins. Don't tell me Japanese have no rubbish. They take the rubbish home to throw because in every house, they have green bins, orange bins, red bins. So they bring their rubbish home to appropriately put in the right bins. 'So, as we journey towards Sarawak Maju Makmur, we want Sarawakians to have the same thinking, but actually do something,' he said during the launch of the Desa Wira Recycling Centre at the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Nursery in Desa Wira here today. Dr Sim said that effective waste management cannot be shouldered by the government alone, but requires a concerted effort from all layers of society. 'The government is trying its best. It's not just about the government having a lot to do, we need everyone to play their role and do their part. In fact, waste management is very challenging. 'So, we want the public to understand, you need to play your role and do your part. The council needs to do the same, and the government also needs to play its role and do its part. Because we all agree we want to do recycling.' He pointed out that waste management was a significant expenditure for local authorities. For instance, he said MPP allocated RM10 million from its annual budget for waste-related services. 'What's quite funny about waste management is that we spend a lot of money to buy things, and then spend a lot of money to throw away things, and spend a lot more money to get rid of it. So it doesn't make sense,' he added. The event marked the collaboration between MPP and the Tzu Chi Foundation Kuching, a non-governmental organisation actively promoting community recycling efforts. Dr Sim revealed since the centre began operations on March 24 this year, over three tonnes of recyclable materials, including clothing, has been collected. 'If Tzu Chi didn't help us, we would have to pay people to get rid of three tonnes of waste. But now, we're making good use of those three tonnes and helping others in the process. 'This is very much in line with our Premier's PCDS 2030, which is about being environmentally sustainable. We want to sustain it, not just throw away.' Dr Sim also condemned irresponsible practices, such as dumping construction waste at recycling centres to avoid disposal charges. 'Some people want to be rich, but they don't love Sarawak. If you do this, how can Sarawak be maju dan makmur (progressive and prosperous)?' he asked. To prevent such misuse, Dr Sim said the new centre has been integrated with the MPP Nursery, where staff can guide the public on proper recycling practices and monitor the materials being dropped off. 'Not everything is recyclable. A concrete block – how do you recycle that? So this centre is not just to prevent illegal dumping but also to educate the public.' Therefore, he commended Tzu Chi volunteers for their tireless contributions and professional standards. 'This is how important community partnerships are. They are volunteers, but they do a professional job. So, congratulations to them,' he added. Also present were MPP chairman Tan Kai and his deputy Mahmud Dato Sri Ibrahim; MPP acting secretary Goh Thiam Ho; and Tzu Chi Foundation volunteer Voon Mee Lee. Dr Sim Kui Hian Japan recycle
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Less than a third of Malaysians with chronic kidney disease know they have it, says nephrologist
Dr Tan delivers her talk at the launch of the World Kidney Day 2025 held at The Hills here today. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 11): Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a silent but escalating health crisis in Malaysia, with over 15.5 per cent of the population estimated to be affected — yet less than one third of these patients are aware they have the disease. Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) consultant nephrologist Dr Clare Tan disclosed this during her health talk titled 'Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The Silent Threat' in conjunction with the World Kidney Day 2025 held at a shopping mall here today. 'Only about five per cent of people with chronic kidney disease are actually aware of their condition. That means the vast majority are completely unaware that their kidneys are slowly failing,' she said. Dr Tan warned that CKD often presents no symptoms in its early stages, with many individuals only discovering they have the disease when it has reached an advanced stage or progressed to kidney failure, requiring dialysis. She disclosed that more than 50,000 Malaysians are currently undergoing dialysis therapy due to end-stage kidney failure, and that number continues to rise annually. In 2022 alone, over 10,000 new patients began dialysis. In Sarawak, 4,800 individuals are currently on dialysis, with numbers steadily climbing. However, she stressed that these figures only represent the 'tip of the iceberg.' 'There are many more Malaysians living with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease. If not properly managed, these patients will eventually progress to kidney failure and require dialysis. Early detection is the key to preventing that,' she said. According to national surveys conducted in 2011 and 2018, the prevalence of CKD in Malaysia rose sharply from nine per cent to 15.5 per cent — a staggering increase in just seven years. This means that about one in six to seven Malaysians may have CKD. Dr Tan attributed the rise to lifestyle-related risk factors, particularly diabetes and high blood pressure. 'In Malaysia, 53 per cent of patients on dialysis developed kidney failure due to diabetes, while another 30 per cent was due to hypertension. Combined, these two causes account for more than 80 per cent of all dialysis cases,' she explained. The rising incidence of obesity is another emerging risk factor. In 2023, over 54 per cent of Malaysians had a body mass index (BMI) above 25, indicating overweight or obesity. This is significant, as studies show that obesity increases the risk of CKD, especially when combined with diabetes or hypertension. Dr Tan also highlighted a worrying trend — CKD and diabetes are affecting increasingly younger Malaysians. 'Young people often don't realise they can have diabetes or high blood pressure. Without regular check-ups, many go undiagnosed until complications like kidney failure arise,' she said. The financial burden of CKD is also substantial. Patients on dialysis often suffer from multiple health complications, including heart problems and infections, which increase hospitalisation and healthcare costs. The government spends substantial resources to provide dialysis treatment and manage associated health issues. Because early CKD is often symptomless, Dr Tan urged Malaysians — especially those with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, family history of kidney disease, or a history of taking chronic painkillers — to undergo regular screenings. 'Screening is simple. It just involves a blood test to check kidney function and a urine test for protein leakage,' she said. 'For high-risk individuals, especially those with diabetes or high blood pressure, annual screening is strongly recommended.' Early detection enables timely intervention that can slow disease progression. 'If we can detect kidney disease early, control the underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and use medications that reduce protein loss in the urine, we can delay or even prevent the need for dialysis,' Dr Tan said. She concluded with a powerful reminder: 'Chronic kidney disease is common, dangerous, and often silent. But it is not hopeless. With awareness, screening, and early intervention, we can save kidneys — and lives.' World Kidney Day 2025 is celebrated annually to raise awareness of kidney health and promote preventive health measures. chronic kidney disease diabetes Dr Clare Tan hypertension lead
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak sees 700-800 new kidney failure cases annually, 4,800 now on dialysis, says SGH nephrologist
Dr Tan fields questions from reporters at the event. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 11): Sarawak records between 700 and 800 new cases of kidney failure annually, with approximately 4,800 patients currently undergoing dialysis. This alarming figure was revealed by Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) consultant nephrologist Dr Clare Tan Hui Hong during the launch of World Kidney Day 2025 at a shopping mall here today. 'Every year, we have about 700 to 800 new patients diagnosed with kidney failure who need to start dialysis. In total, we currently have around 4,800 patients on dialysis in Sarawak,' she told reporters after officiating the launch. Dr Tan said the increasing number of kidney failure cases is concerning, emphasising the urgent need for preventive measures and greater public awareness. 'Dialysis centres are expanding. There are about 25 government-run dialysis facilities across Sarawak, with a new one set to open in Selangau Health Clinic by the end of the year. We also have around 12 charity-run centres, and more are in the pipeline,' she said. Despite the growing number of dialysis centres, Dr Tan stressed that prevention remains far more critical than treatment. 'More than just focusing on dialysis, we must address the root issue — prevention. Raising awareness about kidney health is essential to slowing down the number of people progressing to kidney failure.' She also cited national health survey data showing a worrying trend: the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia increased from 9.07 per cent in 2011 to 15.5 per cent in 2018 — rising from roughly one in 11 persons to one in six or seven. Although no new nationwide surveys have been conducted since 2018, Dr Tan expressed hope that initiatives like World Kidney Day campaigns could reverse the upward trend. This year's World Kidney Day carries the theme 'Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health', emphasising the importance of early detection and lifestyle interventions in reducing CKD cases. 'Let us work together to fight the epidemic of chronic kidney disease and to stop this epidemic,' Dr Tan urged. Also present at the event were Kelab Rotary Kuching president Charlie Ong, COR Holder of NKF Kota Samarahan Dr Nurizaidah Ishak, and NKF Kota Samarahan regional unit coordinator Nur Ezzatul Sahadah Jelani. dialysis Dr Clare Tan kidney failure lead
