INTEGRATING big data and artificial intelligence (AI) into current waste management methods can help local authoritis manage the issue.
Environmental consultant and Green Earth Society Johor adviser Joel Lawrence Jayasunthar said the government needs to find a solution as the growing population would contribute to an increase in waste production.
“AI technology could enable the fingerprinting of waste.
“This would allow for the entire waste management chain — from generation to treatment and reuse — to be traced, monitored and recorded,” he said when contacted.
Joel added that this approach would reduce the volume of waste requiring end-stage disposal and lessen reliance on landfills.
He said the government should first look into finding solutions to existing issues.
These include the lack of space and supporting infrastructure, appropriate laws, improved enforcement and raising public awareness.
“However, this situation presents a unique opportunity for Malaysia to harness existing and emerging innovative technologies.
“Local councils can also be encouraged to explore options such as creating mandatory areas for waste management and recycling within each industrial park.
“For instance, when establishing a new heavy industrial park, developers should be required to allocate land for incoming treatment and recycling industries capable of handling hazardous waste generated within that zone,” he said.
Effective use of big data, AI and innovative treatment options, he said, could also position Malaysia as a leader in the global waste management market.
“Existing laws and international agreements need to be revisited and updated to align with current technological advancements,” said Joel.
An example of such an agreement is the 1989 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.
Viewing waste merely as a by-product rather than an opportunity, Joel said, was an outdated perspective.
To tackle these challenges, he advised collaboration.
“The government, private sector, non-governmental organisations and the public all have a stake in ensuring that waste is managed sustainably.
“This is necessary in line with the growing population, especially in major urban areas such as Greater Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Baru and Ipoh.”
Joel advocated the adoption of the cradle-to-cradle concept.
This is when a product is designed so that its materials and components can be repurposed or recycled indefinitely.
