PETALING JAYA: Eager to facilitate the national transition towards a circular economy, the Housing and Local Government Ministry has launched the first-ever Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste in Malaysia (2025-2035).

The blueprint, announced by minister Nga Kor Ming (pic), highlighted several long-term plans and initiatives in the works that would encourage the adoption of a circular economy by both the public and local industries.

“The blueprint will focus on five strategic pillars which include governance and legislation; guidelines and procedures; digitization and technology; as well as infrastructure and facilities.

“It was also focused on market creation, to promote the national growth of the recycling and solid waste-based industries,” he announced in his speech during the ministry’s Circular Economy Conference here on Tuesday (Aug 6).

Among the notable plans is the implementation of a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy for solid waste towards product manufacturers, which is planned to be implemented in phases.

Under this, manufacturing companies will be obligated to collect and recycle materials from their products after their post-consumer usage or disposal.

There are also plans to introduce a “Zero Waste to Landfill Certification” in solid waste management which recognises manufacturers who manage to enhance their resource efficiency and minimise waste generation.

The certification is also planned to be used as a measure to determine the producer’s eligibility for incentives related to a circular economy.

A Pay-As-You-Throw scheme is also planned to be introduced for businesses in commercial, industrial, institutional and construction sectors.

This scheme will see companies be charged based on the waste they dispose of in landfills, to incentivise waste reduction policies in these companies.

Nga also announced that the ministry had begun a study into a possible Circular Economy Act in preparation for the implementation of the circular economy through comprehensive legislation in the future.

Nga and his ministry would additionally push for the establishment of a National Circular Economy Association (NCEA) by industry players.

“The plan is to have this association serve as a platform to coordinate, plan and drive circular economy initiatives more comprehensively in Malaysia.

“It will work closely with the Circular Economy Council for Solid Waste (NCEC) at the national level and play a vital role in advancing the country's recycling industry and solid waste-based industries,” he said.

Nga said that Malaysians are expected to benefit from the Blueprints circular economy initiatives by potentially expanding the service sector, thereby creating job opportunities and additional income for the people.

“For example, more job opportunities could be created in services such as repairing and refurbishing furniture and equipment, upcycling used fabrics into new products like bags and scarves, and producing organic compost from food waste.

“With this, the government aims for the Malaysian circular economy to become a key economic driver by creating new markets for post-consumer products while generating more employment opportunities for the people,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/06/housing-and-local-govt-ministry-launches-first-ever-circular-economy-blueprint-for-solid-waste