Sabah to intensify waste reduction drive, build new landfills under 13MP

 By Olivia Miwil

April 29, 2026 @ 10:55pm

Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif says the state government will focus on reducing waste at source as its key approach to solid waste management. – Bernama file pic

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will focus on reducing waste at source as its key approach to solid waste management, says State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.

He said among the main initiatives was the use of food waste composting machines, as food waste makes up nearly 40 per cent of total landfill waste.

"In addition, cost-effective technologies to manage waste accumulation, including pyrolysis systems, will be implemented in Sandakan and Papar in the near future by a local company," he said in his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly.

Arifin said under the 13th Malaysia Plan, Sabah would also construct new landfill sites in Semporna and Kudat, a new cell at the centralised solid waste landfill in Keningau, and upgrade access roads to the landfill site in Kampung Langkawit, Papar.

He said the efforts would be supported by continuous public awareness campaigns on solid waste management, while the ministry was also refining enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Enactment 2022 with a view to full implementation.

The aim, he added, was for the state to eventually manage its own solid waste through state legislation.

Meanwhile, Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib said a total of RM11.55 million had been allocated this year for upgrading dilapidated buildings under Scale 6, involving 13 schools currently under construction.

He said the Sabah State Education Department had received RM94.7 million as of yesterday.

For Scale 7 in 2026, he said 20 schools were involved, with an allocation of RM1.47 billion.

"At the same time, Sabah's geographical factors, particularly in interior and island areas, pose challenges in terms of cost, logistics and implementation timelines. Therefore, the approach taken is phased and targeted," he said.

Separately, Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the state would focus on developing three new industrial parks this year.

He said the projects involved the Kudat Blue Economy Industrial Park, Kota Belud Industrial Park and Beaufort Industrial Park.

"The development of the manufacturing sector is a key driver of Sabah's economic growth and a foundation for creating more jobs and business opportunities," he said.