Malaysia Waste Management Solutions

Waste management is a significant problem in Malaysia as waste output outpaces the country’s recycling rate. Malaysia disposes of more than 30,000 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) daily, which amounts to 1.17kg of waste daily per capita. Food waste contributed the most significant component of MSW, followed by plastic, paper, mixed organic, wood, and others. 

The amount of garbage thrown away has risen steadily in Malaysia in tandem with the nation’s population growth, and most of the waste has gone into landfills. According to the National Solid Waste Department, Malaysia currently has 165 landfills, eight sanitary landfills, and three inert landfills for materials such as sand and concrete. Local environmental experts have forecasted no space will be available by 2050 if nothing is done to reduce waste. 

Malaysia’s current recycling rate is only around 31 percent, a lower rate compared with neighboring countries Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand. Malaysia’s Federal government has set a target recycling rate of 40 percent by 2025. In the 12th Malaysia Plan prepared by the government’s Economic Planning Unit, advancing environmental sustainability is a key theme.  

Malaysia is now focusing on accelerating the transition from solid waste management in a linear economy to a circular economy model of production and consumption and integrated water resource management. Adopting that model requires implementing a zero waste to landfill strategy for reducing dependence on landfills using the latest technology and the development of downstream industries to process solid waste. The Housing and Local Government Ministry is also reviewing new regulations to tackle food wastage by developing food waste management guidelines. 

If you represent a U.S. company with waste management technology keen to explore opportunities in Malaysia, please contact Senior Commercial Specialist Siau Wei Pung at office.kualalumpur@trade.gov.