Malaysia is losing hundreds of millions of ringgit annually due to insufficient recycling practices. In 2023 alone, an estimated RM291 million in high-value recyclable materials was wasted, contributing to a national recycling rate of only 33.17% — well below the 40% target set for 2025.
Zamri Abdul Rahman, the technical chairman of the Waste Management Association of Malaysia (WMAM), highlights a critical issue: the lack of waste separation at the source, particularly for municipal waste. This oversight has led to a low recycling rate for household waste and an alarming increase in overall waste generation.
According to Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), Malaysia discards approximately 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, averaging about 1.17 kg per person. The composition of this waste is concerning, with food waste making up 30.6%, followed by plastics (21.9%) and paper (15.3%).
The growing population, coupled with a lack of environmental awareness and recycling initiatives, exacerbates the situation, leading to overflowing landfills that are projected to reach capacity by 2050.
Out of the 137 landfills in Malaysia, only 21 are sanitary landfills equipped to manage waste safely. The majority are open dumps, which pose significant environmental risks, including greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater contamination.
To combat these challenges, Zamri commends the government’s introduction of the Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste in Malaysia (2025-2035), which aims to promote sustainable waste management practices. This blueprint emphasises governance, technology, infrastructure and market creation to foster a circular economy.
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The advanced solutions we provide through landfill mining and ecosystem engineering – not only address environmental challenges but also empower individuals and communities to engage in sustainable practices. Together, we can transform waste into opportunity and pave the way for a cleaner, greener Malaysia.
Source: The Star