2 Sep 2008

GEORGE TOWN: Biodegradable enzymes will soon be used to dissolve organic garbage in landfills and rivers.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the use of enzymes to eliminate organic waste would be tried out at the Pulau Burung landfill.

A non-governmental organisation, the Society of Sudarshan Kriya, has the expertise and will oversee the project once the Penang government receives permission giving the organisation access to the landfill.

Lim said the state government would consider introducing the enzyme to factories to eliminate sewage discharge.

"The enzyme can minimise factory pollution. It will be a boost to the environment in terms of cleanliness," Lim said after attending a talk on "Garbage enzyme saves our planet", organised by the society at the Tanjung Bunga community hall here.

Enzyme specialist Joean Oon said the liquid-based enzyme was a concoction of water, brown sugar and discarded fruit skin and could be used to eliminate organic waste in drains and rivers.

She picked up the basic skills of mixing the concoction in Thailand two years ago. "The enzyme can also be blended with dish-washing agents in households without causing any harmful effect to consumers."

Oon said the enzyme had been proven to be effective when used in several rivers in Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak. "The enzyme dissolves the organic components in five minutes."

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