KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Sar-Alam Indah (SAI) Sdn Bhd have recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for a research project on sludge accumulation rate and the characteristics of septic tanks for a proper wastewater management system.
In addition, the biological and chemical characteristics of both the sludge and wastewater will be investigated, led by Dr Wong Ngie Hing and Ir Professor Jaka Sunarso of Swinburne Sarawak’s Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science.
Many areas of Sarawak still depend on septic tanks, thus calling the need for maintenance for long-lasting operations. Problems arise when the sludge reaches its maximum level in the tank and overflows into open drains, polluting nearby water systems.
This issue motivated the MoA signed between Swinburne Sarawak and SAI Sdn Bhd. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Signing the MoA on behalf of Swinburne Sarawak was Swinburne Innovation Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SWIM) Chief Executive Officer Professor Wallace Wong Shung Hui while SAI Sdn Bhd was represented by its Director, Mr Md Nasir bin Md Zain.
Witnessing the significant moment on 18 March 2023 was YB Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability and Demak Laut assemblyman.
“Clean water supply is vital not only for the basic human needs but also for Sarawak’s economy, particularly in the manufacturing and tourism sector,” he said.
He stressed the need to safeguard water sources as well as the need for proper sanitation management to combat waterborne diseases. He also assured that the Sarawak Government will continue to provide equitable access to treated water supply and proper sewage treatment.