Malaysia Waste Management Circular Economy Blueprint

Malaysia has recently launched the Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste in Malaysia (2025-2035), which includes establishing legislation related to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme and a zero-waste-to-landfill certification for manufacturers.

The blueprint has various action plans and timelines. The strategic pillars of the blueprint include:
i)    governance and legislation, where implementation of EPR will be enabled, 
ii)    introducing zero-waste-to-landfill certification, 
iii)    using data systems to collect and analyze data across the waste management value chain, 
iv)    developing facilities such as waste-eco parks and integrated waste management facilities, and, 
v)    promoting recycling and solid waste-based industries by introducing incentives for companies, implementing a pay-as-you-throw scheme to incentivize waste reduction, and investing in research and development efforts.

These efforts are expected to reduce the waste going to the landfill. Malaysians dispose of around 39,000 tons of solid waste every day, equivalent to 1.2 kg per person. Food waste is the largest component (44.5%) of household waste, followed by plastic waste (13.2%), disposable diapers (12.1%) and paper (8.5%).

Malaysia needs strategic waste management solutions and is seeking new initiatives related to solid waste management facilities. If you represent a U.S. company with innovative and sustainable waste management solutions and are keen to explore opportunities in Malaysia, please contact Senior Commercial Specialist Siau Wei Pung at office.kualalumpur@trade.gov