Latest news with #SELKitar
The Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Dealing with non-recyclable waste
WITH landfills fast overflowing, Selangor government has turned to incinerators as a solution to tackle its mountainous waste problem. State public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the waste-to-energy (WTE) strategy was a complementary end-point solution for non-recyclable waste. She said several waste management initiatives currently being implemented by the state were geared towards maximising resource recovery at the upstream level. 'These initiatives range from promoting separation at source, banning single-use plastics and encouraging recycling and composting to promoting extended producer responsibility (EPR). 'After all the recoverable materials have been separated, the residual waste will be channelled to WTE plants. 'This way, WTE serves as a complementary end point for non-recyclable waste rather than a primary solution. Local authorities in Selangor are encouraging community-based recycling initiatives. 'This integrated approach ensures that we are not only managing waste more sustainably, but are also moving closer towards a circular economic model for Selangor,' she said. Being accountable Under the EPR, producers are responsible for the environmental impact of their products throughout their entire lifecycle, including disposal and recycling. Jamaliah said Selangor would continue working closely with the private sector to enhance recycling activities through voluntary initiatives by producers and manufacturers. 'Though the state government fully supports the implementation of EPR, there is still no legislative framework for its enforcement within the state as Malaysia is still transitioning from voluntary to mandatory EPR policy,' she said. Overview of WTE plant being built in Jeram, Kuala Selangor. 'Hence, the state government will continue working closely with the Federal Government and its agencies to develop EPR and circular economy policies to ensure effective implementation at state level in the future.' Raising recycling awareness On April 22, the SELKitar campaign focusing on intensifying public awareness and participation in recycling activities throughout Selangor was launched. 'A key component of the campaign is the expansion of our door-to-door collection service for recyclables, particularly in residential areas,' said Jamaliah. 'This marks a significant step forward in institutionalising separation at source practices across the state. 'Communication, education and public awareness activities will also be conducted to ensure residents are well-informed, engaged and empowered to adopt long-term recycling habits. Jamaliah says WTE is asolution for non-recyclable waste. 'This initiative plays a vital role in supporting the state government's commitment to environmental sustainability, especially in preparation for the enforcement of mandatory separation at source under Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007,' she said. According to reports, the Cabinet had granted Selangor in-principle approval to adopt Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 in February this year. Section 74 of the Act outlines the power of the Director-General of Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management to give written directions to any person to separate, handle or store any solid waste he or she possesses. Those failing to comply with the directions shall be subject to a fine not exceeding RM1,000 upon conviction. Jamaliah said local authorities across Selangor had been actively implementing community-based programmes such as recycling as well as used cooking oil and e-waste collections. Selangor government is promoting separation at source in the state. 'These programmes aim to strengthen public participation in sustainable waste practices and support the broader goal of reducing landfill dependency through greater material recovery and reuse at the local level. 'The state government will continue promoting the concept of 5Rs – refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle – to encourage Selangor residents to be more aware about the roles they can play to reduce waste as well as to be innovative in reusing and repurposing materials,' she said. Inevitable problem As the most populated and industrialised state, Selangor generates some 7,000 tonnes of domestic waste and 3,000 tonnes of bulk waste daily, according to a media statement by KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) in January last year. KDEBWM was appointed in 2016 to manage Selangor's waste collection and public cleansing services. It was also reported that waste generation in Selangor is expected to increase by 6% annually. Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was reported as saying in 2023 that the landfills in Selangor, particularly those in Tanjung Dua Belas (Kuala Langat) and Jeram (Kuala Selangor), might only last another two to four years. To deal with the growing waste management crisis, in 2021, then local government and public transportation committee chairman Ng Sze Han said, 'The state government had in 2016 agreed for Worldwide Holdings Bhd (WHB) to spearhead efforts in developing the WTE plant in Jeram, Kuala Selangor.' The Jeram and Tanjung Dua Belas plants are being built by WHB. The sanitary landfill in Tanjung Dua Belas in Kuala Langat. The third in Batu Arang, Rawang, is to be built by KDEBWM alognside a private company. WHB in a statement to StarMetro said the WTE project in Jeram was more than 70% complete and expected to commence operations by year end. 'Meanwhile, the design, planning and procurement works for the WTE project in Tanjung Dua Belas commenced last year. 'It is expected to be operational by 2027,' the statement said. Reports have stated that the WTE plant in Jeram is capable of disposing 3,000 tonnes of solid waste per day and generating 52MW of electricity per hour. Meanwhile, the WTE plant in Tanjung Dua Belas is reportedly capable of handling 1,800 tonnes of solid waste daily and producing 38MW of electricity per hour. Both these plants are part of Integrated Solid Waste Management Centre (ISWMC), which is the long-term plan by the state government to manage solid waste sustainably. ISWMC will incorporate facilities like WTE plants, composting plants, material recovery facilities for construction and demolition waste, anaerobic digesters as well as a research and development centres, according to WHB's website. The company also said WTE plants were developed as a long-term waste management solution at state level due to rising population, industrialisation and urbanisation. 'Without an alternative waste management method, existing landfills will need to be expanded continuously which is not sustainable due to its environmental impact,' WHB stated.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Selangor implements sustainable recycling model via SELKitar
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Recycling (SELKitar) Programme, which was launched yesterday, is the beginning of a long-term movement that focuses on circular economy, waste separation from sources and shared responsibility among stakeholders. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said that as the most advanced and populous state in the country, Selangor generates over 7,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with most of them still ending up being dumped at landfills. 'Recognising this fact, the state government has made sustainable waste management the foundation of the state's environmental strategy, namely prioritising source separation, advancing circular economy practices and enhancing the role of local authorities in driving long-term transformation,' she said in a statement today. Yesterday, the Selangor government, through KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM), signed a collaboration with Nestle Malaysia to strengthen recycling through door-to-door collection under SELKitar, which is expected to begin in May in several areas under the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and Sepang Municipal Council (MPS). Elaborating, Jamaliah said that through the First Selangor Plan (RS-1), the state government has begun switching from the 'collect and dispose' model to an approach that focuses on recycling based on resource efficiency, value recovery and citizen responsibility. She said the launch of phase one of the SELKitar Programme, which was witnessed by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari yesterday, is an important step towards realising that approach. 'The SELKitar Programme is not just a strong environmental policy for Selangor but one that also reflects a new approach to engaging the community in sustainable waste management. 'It reflects the belief that sustainability is not just a slogan but about creating an ecosystem that functions for all parties,' she said. Jamalliah added that SELKitar also has a long-term vision, where its infrastructure is supported by education, awareness and behavioural change.
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Flood mitigation efforts effective in Taman Sri Muda — Amirudin
SHAH ALAM: Flood mitigation efforts in Taman Sri Muda proved effective during heavy rain last Saturday, with no flooding reported, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. He said the success followed Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) restoration of power to the water pumps on Wednesday and Thursday, enabling them to function during the downpour. TNB had previously been unable to supply electricity to the system due to technical constraints, but once resolved, the pumps resumed normal operation. "The pumps functioned automatically once power was restored by TNB and this was clearly tested on Saturday when, despite two hours of heavy rain, no flooding occurred in Taman Sri Muda. "Further actions were also taken as of yesterday. Our task force is already in place. Perhaps the public is not aware of the discussions that have taken place. "Yesterday, we simply presented the situation again so that we can update the residents. They may still be traumatised," Amirudin told the media after launching SELKitar programme at the Shah Alam Convention Centre. In December 2021, Taman Sri Muda was hit by severe floods after days of continuous rain, with water levels rising up to four metres and nearly submerging entire houses. Many residents were displaced, with some trapped in their homes for nearly a week without electricity. At least 14 deaths were reported, while homes, properties and vehicles suffered catastrophic damage. Amirudin said the area has seen fewer than five major flood incidents since then, but the trauma still lingers for residents. He said the state government remains committed to ongoing improvements, including upgrades to pump systems, drainage infrastructure, and water gates, as well as holding local councils accountable for proper maintenance. "Perhaps people aren't aware, or maybe those raising the issue are outsiders trying to provoke something. They don't realise that we successfully managed the situation that night. "The pump was activated automatically once electricity was restored by TNB. It showed that the system can work, though further improvements are still needed," he added.
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Putra Heights fire victims to get RM2,000 rental aid
SHAH ALAM: A total of 396 households affected by the recent fire in Putra Heights will begin receiving three-month rental assistance starting this Thursday, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. He added that recovery efforts are ongoing as authorities await Cabinet approval on a proposed home repair plan submitted earlier. In the meantime, Amirudin said all 396 identified and eligible households will be called in for a briefing and to receive rental aid during a scheduled event this Thursday. The financial assistance worth RM2,000 per household will be transferred directly into the recipients' bank accounts. "Once the Cabinet agrees, we will inform everyone. We will gather all the residents this Thursday to distribute the three-month rental assistance. At the same event, we will also provide information on the repair process happening here," he told the media after launching SELKitar programme at Shah Alam Convention Centre. Amirudin said the authorities have categorised the rebuilding efforts into three distinct groups, which will be explained to residents at the event. He said the efforts are being made to ensure smooth coordination, as the affected residents are from two separate areas, a village and a residential area, requiring tailored approaches. "So we need different approaches, and that's why we're reviewing everything thoroughly. That's also why I mentioned we need a week or two," he added.
New Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nestle steps up plastic waste drive with KDEB Waste Management
SHAH ALAM: Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd has partnered with KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) to enhance its efforts in addressing plastic waste through sustainable solutions. Both parties signed a collaboration agreement to launch SELKitar programme, the latest phase of Nestle Malaysia's door-to-door collection and recycling programme under project SAVE, the largest voluntary extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiative in Malaysia. Launched in 2020, project SAVE is an ongoing large-scale collaboration between Nestle Malaysia and local municipalities across the Klang Valley that recently expanded also to Penang. Currently reaching over 200,000 households, to date, the project has diverted more than 33,000 tonnes of waste including over 20,000 tonnes of plastic, from landfills and oceans. Programme SELKitar will scale up these ongoing efforts to engage another 17,000 households in landed communities in Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ) and Majlis Perbandaran Sepang beginning May 2025. Discussions for a second phase of expansion including strata residences and suburban villages are already in progress. The agreement signing ceremony was officiated by Selangor State executive councillor (EXCO) for Public Health and Environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin and attended by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Amirudin said such initiative shapes the environmental consciousness in the state. "The implementation of Act 672 in Selangor signals our commitment to uniform, sustainable waste practices and this partnership reflects our belief that progress can only be achieved through joint, sustained effort," he said. Nestle Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols said the programme is a tangible demonstration of the company's commitment to addressing plastic waste and promoting the circular use of resources. "With the continued expansion of our door-to-door collection and recycling programme, we move closer to our vision of a Malaysia free of plastic waste, where post-consumer packaging is sustainably managed through effective collection systems. "This partnership with KDEBWM reinforces Nestle's global pledge to achieve plastic neutrality by 2025, ensuring that none of our packaging ends up in landfills or oceans," he added. KDEBWM, as the waste management arm of Menteri Besar Inc, brings operational expertise that complements Nestlé Malaysia's experience in voluntary EPR initiatives. The SELKitar Programme implements tailored collection strategies for both "open areas" and "gated and guarded" communities, promoting operational efficiency and educating residents on waste segregation. Recyclables are collected separately from regular domestic waste and transported to a material recovery collection facility in Bukit Puchong for sorting and reprocessing, supporting a circular economy. Residents will also receive communication, education and public awareness materials that promote a single-stream approach, allowing all recyclables to be placed in one container for collection, simplifying participation for households. Project SAVE, Nestle Malaysia's largest voluntary EPR initiative, collaborates with local municipal councils, including in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Pulau Pinang.
