MELAKA: A growing culture of recycling in Melaka saw 234,143kg of recyclable waste diverted from landfills in 2025, driven by the continued success of SWM Environment Sdn Bhd’s incentive-based KITARecycle programme.
SWM Environment corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the figure marked an increase of more than 16,000kg compared with the previous year.
“The total amount collected reflects a growing level of public awareness and strong community commitment towards environmental sustainability through efforts to reduce waste sent to landfills, in line with the aspirations of sustainable urban development,” he said on Wednesday (Jan 28).
He noted that recyclable waste collected under the KITARecycle programme in the state rose from 217,545kg in 2024 to 234,143kg in 2025.
“Throughout 2025, paper and plastic recorded the highest collection volumes, amounting to 95,930kg and 40,605kg respectively,” he said.
Mohd Norlisam added that the increase was driven by strong participation from KITARecycle members who delivered recyclable items to designated collection facilities.
He said the KITARecycle drive-thru centre (PPLK) at the Melaka Botanical Garden recorded a 63.38% increase, with total collections rising to 46,785kg in 2025, compared with 28,636kg the previous year.
“This demonstrates that facilities such as PPLK are increasingly well-received by the local community due to their ease of access for recycling drop-offs,” he said.
To further expand public access, Mohd Norlisam said recyclable items can also be delivered to other KITARecycle facilities, including those at Pangsapuri Sungai Putat, Batu Berendam and TS Park Taman Desa Bertam, as well as more than 60 other collection points and recycling cages located throughout the state.
“All recyclable items sent to PPLK are transported by SWM Environment’s 3R Trooper team to collection centres for micro-sorting, weighing and the recording of recycling points into members’ respective KITARecycle accounts,” he said.
“These points can later be redeemed for cash, which will be credited directly into members’ bank accounts.”
Mohd Norlisam also noted that KITARecycle membership in Melaka grew significantly to nearly 25,000 members as of December 2025, up from 16,783 members in 2024.
“This increase proves the positive reception among Melaka residents towards the benefits of the KITARecycle programme,” he said, adding that the incentive-based approach provides direct benefits while encouraging active community participation.
He said the rising level of public awareness and improved recycling rates have also contributed to Melaka’s international recognition, with the state receiving the Asean Clean Tourist City Award twice, at the Asean Tourism Awards 2024 and 2026.
