KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Japan are set to strengthen cooperation to advance the circular economy and modernise waste management through a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The proposal was discussed during a courtesy visit by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming to Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata at the Ambassador’s official residence on Tuesday (Aug 18).
The proposed MoU, approved by the Cabinet in July, will provide a platform for both countries to facilitate the exchange of expertise, technology and best practices in circular economy and sustainable waste management.
Meanwhile, Nga shared that his ministry has launched the National Circular Economy Blueprint and established the National Circular Economy Council (NCEC) to accelerate Malaysia’s transition from a linear to a circular economy.
“We are also taking steps to make recycling more accessible by requiring shopping malls to provide recycling facilities as part of licensing requirements, while continuing efforts to phase out single-use plastic bags,” he said.
Nga said Japan’s experience could provide valuable lessons for Malaysia, particularly in making waste separation and recycling part of everyday life.
“Japan is well known for its efficient waste management system and strong culture of cleanliness. In Japan, separating waste at source has become part of everyday life. This is something we can learn from.
“Good habits must start from young. We should teach our children about waste separation, recycling and keeping our surroundings clean, so that cleanliness becomes part of our culture, not something we do only because of enforcement,” he added.
Nga also said that Malaysia has introduced community service for offenders caught littering in public places as part of efforts to promote greater civic responsibility and public cleanliness.
“By combining Japan’s experience and technological expertise with Malaysia’s ongoing reforms, we can accelerate our transition towards cleaner, greener and more sustainable cities,” he said.
During the visit, Ambassador Shikata also extended an invitation to the Malaysian delegation to attend GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, Japan.
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