Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is targeting an increase in the rate of waste diversion from landfills to 53 per cent by 2035 through the implementation of the National Recycling Campaign 2026, which was launched today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KPKT Minister Nga Kor Ming stated that the campaign, themed "From Waste to Resources," was a strategic step to strengthen the implementation of the Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste (2025-2035) under the MADANI Government's ongoing efforts to accelerate the country's transition towards a more sustainable circular economy. The initiative aims to reduce the country's dependence on landfills and ensure that resources with economic value can be recovered, processed, and reused.
Nga emphasized the importance of viewing waste as a resource in a world facing global supply chain uncertainties. He noted that recycling serves as a national economic strategy to ensure resource security and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. To facilitate the campaign's agenda, KPKT, through the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), will intensify the enforcement of waste segregation at source, particularly in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.
Additionally, SWCorp is tasked with reporting the progress of implementation and enforcement actions periodically to the ministry to ensure that efforts are continuously strengthened. Nga also announced that KPKT had agreed to mandate the provision of Recycling Facilities in all shopping malls in stages, as a condition for applying for and renewing business premises licenses under local authorities.
The move aims to enhance solid waste management, expand circular economy practices, and make recycling more accessible to the public. Nga expressed hope that shopping malls nationwide would encourage food and beverage tenants to separate waste and utilize the provided Recycling Facilities.
Nga stressed the need for a whole-of-nation approach to ensure the success of the circular economy agenda, requiring collaboration between the government, industry, product manufacturers, shopping mall operators, community organizations, and all Malaysians. The event at WOW Plaza, LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre also featured the launch of the "Sort and Drop Recycle the Cartons" kiosk, a collaboration between Tetra Pak, KPT Recycle, and LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre to facilitate public recycling efforts.