First AD plant launched in Ampang Jaya

THE first integrated anaerobic digestion (AD) plant using the Internet of Things (IoT) system in the country has been launched in Ampang Jaya.

Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the ministry, together with local authorities, would evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of the facility before expanding to other local councils.

“We will give it six to 12 months to see its operations and which aspects can be improved.

“Hopefully, this green initiative can become a guideline for other local councils in the country to emulate,” he said during the launch of the AD facility and new food court in Jalan Kolam Ayer Lama.

He said the AD plant was one way of tackling excessive food waste instead of allowing the waste to fill up landfills.

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The facility and food court cost RM4.6mil which was allocated by the ministry.

The AD facility processes food waste into liquid fertiliser and biogas.

Waste from 65 food premises, four hotels and a hospital will be processed at the plant.

The machine is provided by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) and managed by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).

SWCorp chief executive officer Ismail Mokhtar said that by using IoT, the AD facility could be remotely monitored and run.

“The facility is able to process 500kg of food waste a day.

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“Since the AD started operations in July last year, it has produced 19,120 litres of liquid compost from 35,000kg of food waste,” he said.

On the new Laman Selera MPAJ @ Ampang Jaya, Akmal hoped that traders and visitors would maintain the facilities to reduce maintenance costs.

The food court has 17 stalls, and six kiosks, among other facilities.

As part of the launch, it was announced that traders would get a three-month rent exemption.

Also present during the launch were state local government committee chairman Ng Sze Han, state housing, urban well-being and entrepreneur development committee chairman and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail as well as MPAJ president Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim.