GEORGE TOWN, August 25 — The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) have submitted a memorandum titled “Malaysia Must Move Towards Zero Waste: The Case Against Waste-to-Energy Incineration” to the Prime Minister and relevant ministries, urging the cancellation of proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration projects.
The memorandum highlights the environmental and health risks posed by WTE incineration, advocating instead for a Zero Waste approach that emphasizes resource efficiency, recycling, and sustainable waste management practices. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s plan to build 18 WTE plants by 2040 has been met with strong opposition from CAP and SAM.
Who argue that such projects undermine recycling efforts, contribute to climate change, and pose significant health risks. Instead, the organizations call for enhanced waste collection, support for circular economy practices, and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to promote a more sustainable and resilient waste management system in Malaysia.
