THE Penang government is happy with the commitment from the United Kingdom (UK) in resolving matters pertaining to the containers of waste from the UK which were dumped in Penang.
It was reported that 45 containers filled with non-recyclable waste from the UK were stranded at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT). These containers have to be returned to the UK.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state was working very hard to send back the hundreds of containers left stranded at the NBCT, to their respective countries of origin.
It was reported that the hundreds of containers were shipped in from countries such as the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, UK and Japan.
“We have only managed to send back 10 containers. We are happy to note the commitment from the UK pertaining this matter,” Chow said during the courtesy visit by the UK delegates at his office today.
The delegates were led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Portal Welby. Also present were the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Malaysia Charles Hay, Chaplain to the Archbishop Bishop Anthony Dangasuk Poggo, Northern Peninsular Malaysia Suffragan Bishop Datuk Charles Samuel and the British High Commission political adviser Dr Lyana Khairuddin.
Hay said they would be working very closely with the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change on the matter.
“We have said that if there are containers that contain illegal waste from the UK; then, we are only to have them taken back to the UK,” he said.
Chow said such problems occurred because China closed its doors to almost all foreign plastic waste.
“Plastic is being redirected in huge quantities to the Southeast Asia and some plastic recyclers have also relocated to Malaysia,” he said.
The meeting also touched on the integration of various ethnic communities in Malaysia.
Suffragan Bishop Charles Samuel said Penang has improved in ethnic relationship under Chow’s leadership.
Chow said a Government agenda is crucial to address what could be deemed as the source of conflict in a society.
“The economic disparities among various ethnic groups need to be addressed. And after 30 to 40 years, I believe that we have narrowed the gap.
“In Penang, we want people to feel confident about their role and place in the society,” he said.
Chow added that achieving integration is a challenge faced by countries around the world.
“It is an ongoing challenge where the moderate versus the other side.
“Penang has been promoting the spirit of understanding, tolerance and acceptance.
“However, we have not resolved all problems. Nowadays, it is easy to get ‘attention’ with the social media.
“Anyone could have been offended by a certain news in the social media. One person’s post in the social media can make so much impact.
“We can’t have an ideal situation, but we are hoping that things can get better,” he said.
Chow said that the process of integrating communities started a long time ago.
“It is very difficult to strike a balance, but it must be done,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting