PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has reaffirmed its full support for the Istanbul Declaration on Zero Waste, underscoring its commitment to sustainable waste management and circular economy practices in line with the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic), who is also the UN Habitat Assembly president, said Malaysia stands in solidarity with the Turkish government and all 104 participating nations in advancing zero waste as a global duty and a foundation for sustainable urbanisation.
“Malaysia endorses the Istanbul Declaration on Zero Waste, which calls for sustained political momentum, stronger multi-level cooperation and the acceleration of zero waste initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This declaration also urges all nations to ensure equitable access to waste management and basic urban services so that no one and no place is left behind,” said Nga at the ministerial roundtable of the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 in Istanbul yesterday.
According to the Bernama report, the Istanbul Declaration on Zero Waste 2025, adopted by ministers and delegates from over 100 countries, reaffirms the principles of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/77/161, which promotes zero waste initiatives.
Nga emphasised that Malaysia’s initiatives align with these global aspirations, particularly through the Malaysia Circular Economy Blueprint 2025-2035.
This blueprint outlines a strategic roadmap across five key pillars: governance and legislation, guidelines and procedures, digitisation and technology, infrastructure and facilities and market creation.
He highlighted Malaysia’s progress, including the closure of over 2,000 illegal dumpsites, full urban waste collection and recycling over 22,000 tonnes of materials.
“We commend the leadership of the Government of Turkiye and the Zero Waste Foundation, under the patronage of Her Excellency Emine Erdogan, First Lady of Turkiye, for driving this global movement.
“Malaysia is proud to stand among nations that are translating the zero-waste vision into real-world impact,” Nga added.
