KUALA LUMPUR: Shopping malls nationwide will have to provide recycling facilities in their premises to obtain business licences beginning this month.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry said enforcement will be carried out in stages before expanding into mandatory compliance involving all shopping malls nationwide.
"The initiative's implementation will begin with an engagement phase and awareness programmes to encourage voluntary participation among shopping mall operators, followed by pilot projects in selected local authorities to assess the effectiveness of the implementation mechanism," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday (June 6).
The ministry added that the matter will also be brought before the National Council for Local Government for consideration to ensure comprehensive coordination at the state government and local authority levels.
"Malaysia generates more than 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily.
"A more comprehensive approach is therefore needed to increase the national recycling rate, support the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and reduce dependence on landfill sites," it said.
Apart from supporting the national recycling rate target, the ministry said the establishment of recycling facilities will help strengthen urban solid waste management.
It will also improve city sustainability scores under the MURNInets assessment system.
"The public will also have the opportunity to generate income through "trash-to-cash" programmes by sending recyclable materials to designated facilities," it said.
To ensure effective implementation, the ministry will work closely with state governments, local authorities, shopping mall operators, ministries and relevant agencies to develop clear and standardised guidelines for the initiative nationwide.
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said that by establishing recycling facilities at these strategic locations, the public will have easier access to separate and responsibly dispose of recyclable materials.
"This initiative will not only help increase the national recycling rate and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills but also represents a long-term investment towards cultivating a more environmentally conscious society and supporting sustainable economic development," he said.
