Housing ministry expands use of local technology to convert food waste into fertiliser

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 22): The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will expand the use of local technology to convert food waste into agricultural fertiliser as part of efforts to strengthen the circular economy and support the national food security agenda.

In a statement on Wednesday, KPKT said the decision was agreed upon at the Fourth Solid Waste Circular Economy Council (NCEC) meeting, chaired by its minister, Nga Kor Ming. (pctured)

According to the ministry, the initiative, which will be pioneered by the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia, is necessary in view of the country’s growing food waste problem, with more than 8.3 million tonnes of food waste estimated to be discarded annually, equivalent to about 17,000 tonnes per day.

“Over-reliance on landfills not only places a heavy burden on the country’s waste management system, but also has direct adverse effects on the environment and public well-being,” read the statement.

KPKT said the move is also expected to serve as a strategic solution to increase the country’s recycling rate, support the agricultural sector through the provision of more affordable alternative fertilisers, and spur the development of a circular economy driven by local technology.

“This initiative reflects KPKT’s commitment to building a waste management ecosystem that goes beyond disposal, focusing instead on value recovery, the generation of new resources and long-term national sustainability,” the statement added.

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