The Malaysia Investment Development Authority has on 1 September confirmed that Waste to Energy (WtE) – energy from waste as it is also known – is the preferred approach for waste management in Malaysia.
It notes that in 2021, “a total of 13.95 million tonnes of municipal solid waste was generated per annum in Malaysia, equivalent to 38,207 tonnes generated per day by household, institutional, commercial, industrial (excluding scheduled waste) and construction establishments. This showed an increase from previous years as municipal solid waste amounted to 13.91 million tonnes and 13.88 million tonnes in 2020 and 2019 respectively. This waste typically ends up at a landfill site if it is not recycled or reused, thereby requiring more landfill usage and expansions. The limited land and high cost of landfill facilitation operations have intensified environmental and financial concerns for the Government.”
The landfill site at Kayu Madang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. (picture: Shutterstock)
In the 12th Malaysia Plan, from 2021-2025, initiatives include moving to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and reduction in landfills are part of this.
Private sector
The Development Authority says that: “The involvement of the private sector has great potential to enhance the effectiveness of waste management in Malaysia. The Government encourages more integrated waste treatment facilities (IWTFs) to be constructed. An integrated approach incorporates a material recovery facility to sort and separate waste; a treatment facility, including an anaerobic digester, composter and incinerator; as well as a sanitary landfill.”
And, the Development Authority also explains: “WTE solutions are now recognised as a preferred waste treatment option for residual waste and a sustainable waste management approach in the country. Additionally, the establishment of waste eco-parks, development of waste management technologies and closure of all open landfills are encouraged to achieve Malaysia’s commitment to become a net-zero carbon emission country by 2050.”
Useful link
www.mida.gov.my/waste-to-energy-wte-the-preferred-approach-for-waste-management-in-malaysia/
