Malaysia mandates recycling centre for shopping malls beginning June

KUALA LUMPUR (June 6): Malaysia is mandating all shopping malls to have recycling centres beginning June as one of the conditions for licence application and renewal.

The initiative will begin with an engagement phase and awareness programme to encourage voluntary participation of shopping malls operators, followed by pilot projects under selected local authorities to assess the effectiveness, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government said in a weekend statement. Enforcement will be in phases before expanding to mandatory compliance involving all shopping centers nationwide.

The decision is aimed at strengthening the country's solid waste management, facilitating public access to recycling facilities and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable circular economy, the ministry said.

The policy, announced about a year ago, comes as Malaysia generates over 39,000 tonnes of solid waste each day.

Some malls in the Klang Valley already have dedicated recycling facilities for the public.

“Shopping malls are among the most frequently visited locations by the public,” said minister Nga Kor Ming. (pictured) “By having recycling facilities in these strategic locations, people will have easier access to separate and deliver recyclable materials.”

To ensure effective implementation, the ministry said it will work closely with state governments, local councils, shopping centre operators as well as other ministries and agencies in providing clear and uniform guidelines for the nationwide implementation.

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