Brunei tops in generating rubbish

Must change attitude of people, says Minister

BRUNEI's population generates more rubbish per capita than many of its regional counterparts including Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said yesterday.

Speaking at the close of the "Clean Up The World" 2010 campaign, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah said that each resident throws away 1.4 kg of waste per day, compared to 1.1 kg for Singaporeans, 1.2 kg for Malaysians and 1.3 kg for Thais.

"As a nation, Brunei generates an approximate 189,000 tonnes of waste per year," said the minister, with 35 per cent coming from food, 18 per cent from paper, 16 per cent from plastic and four per cent from metal.

According to the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS), solid waste production is projected to grow to 370,000 tones by 2030, in line with the current rate (2.73 per cent) of population growth.

Organised by the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD), the three-day "Clean Up The World" campaign aims to imbue environmental consciousness among the youth, starting at the grassroots level.

This year's theme, "Communities Caring For Nature" focuses on irresponsible waste disposal in the community.

On the final day of the campaign yesterday, over 200 scouts gathered at the Serasa Water Sports Complex to clear the nearby recreational waters of the litter carelessly dumped into the sea and surrounding areas.

"Bruneians need to improve their attitude and become more prudent and responsible when disposing of rubbish" said Pehin Dato Hj Hazair.

"The most disappointing element of environmental pollution is the contamination of water sources, including rivers and the sea, which is caused by mankind through the improper disposal of waste thoughtlessly thrown."

The minister added that it shows a selfish attitude and lack of foresight that leads to the deterioration of the environment. Improper waste disposal can affect the safety of food production and ocean resources

"We must change the attitude of the people, especially the youth. The youth in this country are agents of change and can spread the message of the importance of environmental cleanliness and on proper waste disposal," he said.

"Clean Up The World" 2010 is a campaign under the United Nations Environment Programmes (UNEP) in collaboration with the World Organisation of Scout Movement.

President of the Brunei Scouts Association Dato Paduka Hj Idris Hj Abas also boarded a small fishing boat yesterday to scoop floating waste, mostly plastic, from Serasa waters.

"We're collecting mostly rotten nets and plastics. Marine life like turtles can get caught in the nets and plastics. That's why we have the volunteer divers to help us collect rubbish from the sea floor," he told The Brunei Times.

"Today's event is really a way to spread awareness to people to conserve the environment and to keep the place clean so that we can keep the environment for future generations," he said.

"The main thing is in-depth communication with the people. The spirit to keep (the environment) clean should continue among the scouts, so hopefully it will spread, setting an example to others."

The Brunei Times