By Zaki MS
IPOH – Solid waste management needs to go beyond cleanliness and service delivery to help create more sustainable and resilient cities.
This issue was the focus of the Intellectual Discourse Series 2: Building Sustainable Cities Towards a Prosperous Perak and a Well-being People, organised by the Darul Ridzuan Institute (IDR) on August 11.
The programme brought together three panellists, namely Datin Paduka TPr. Hajah Noraini Haji Roslan, Dato’ Seri Sr. Haji Rozali Haji Mohamud and Norazlina Yusof.
Noraini is the former Mayor of the Royal Klang City Council (MBDK) and an expert in urban planning and local authority administration.
Rozali is the former Mayor of the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), while Norazlina is Deputy Director of the Local Authority Section, Selangor Economic Planning Unit (UPEN).
The discussion focused on governance, leadership, innovation and transformation in local authority service delivery.
Waste management was also discussed from the perspectives of the circular economy, resource recovery and the use of technology.
In addition, changes in public behaviour and cross-sector collaboration were seen as crucial to ensuring more effective waste management.
The discourse also highlighted the potential of waste as a resource capable of generating economic value while supporting sustainable urban development.
According to IDR, discussions based on the experiences and perspectives of various sectors are important in strengthening the strategic thinking of policymakers.
The Intellectual Discourse Series 2 is also part of IDR’s efforts to support the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda through knowledge sharing and strategic ideas.
The approach is expected to help build urban systems that not only manage waste more effectively, but also create value and benefits for the people.
