Circular economy in Malaysia: Going round and round in a good way

MALAYSIA’S Local Government Development Ministry is currently crafting a Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. It will form a comprehensive and effective basis for a policy on a circular economy ecosystem in the management of solid waste, including food waste.

“In this matter, engagement sessions will continue to be carried out with state and local authorities, including in Sabah and Sarawak, to obtain feedback and views on the proposal,” it says in response to queries from The Star on whether the government intends to put in place a policy on the circular economy.

The ministry says, at the moment, there are four legislations governing the management of solid waste in the country.

These are the Local Government Act 1976, the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 (Chapter 20) for Sarawak, and the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Enactment 2022 for Sabah.

On Sept 7, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming launched the National Circular Economy Council to accelerate the transition of solid waste management from a linear economy to a holistic, circular economy.

“The transition to a circular economy can optimise the lifecycle of products and increase the use of resources to reduce the amount of waste produced,” he said at the time.

He said the council, which was approved at the Aug 23 Cabinet meeting and would be a “high-impact initiative” for the country, would focus on six elements to support a circular economy ecosystem, including developing markets and demand for recycled materials and designing products that can optimise their lifecycle through reuse, recycling and environmental-friendliness.

“Focus will also be given to promoting the segregation of waste at source and improving the solid waste collection system, providing infrastructure facilities and appropriate incentives, developing an integrated data system, and creating a public, private and community collaboration platform,” he said.

On the adoption of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, the ministry says it would carry out continuous engagement to get a commitment from all states, especially those that have yet to adopt the Act.

“From the engagement carried out so far, all states have shown positive response to supporting the implementation of the circular economy agenda by the Federal Government,” it adds.

So far, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Kedah and Perlis have agreed to adopt the Act, which would require households to separate waste at source.

The ministry says currently, enforcement of the Act included the separation of all forms of controlled waste by households, industries, commercial and institutions, and the construction sector.

“However, this enforcement is only limited to the seven states that have adopted the Act,” it adds.