Recycling centres now required at all shopping malls

 Pilot projects will begin in some local council areas this month before full enforcement across the country.

The housing and local government ministry said shopping malls are among the most visited public spaces, making them key locations to expand access to recycling facilities. (Envato Elements pic)

PETALING JAYA:

All shopping centres are now required to provide recycling facilities as a condition for their licences being approved or renewed, with pilot projects beginning in some local council areas this month.

There will be an awareness phase to encourage voluntary participation by mall operators, followed by pilot projects at selected local council areas, before full enforcement across the country.

The housing and local government ministry said the measure, approved at a Cabinet meeting yesterday, is aimed at improving public access to recycling facilities and accelerating the shift towards a circular economy.

“Shopping malls are among the most visited locations by the public,” minister Nga Kor Ming said in a statement. “By establishing recycling facilities in these strategic locations, the public will have easier access to separate and drop off recyclable materials responsibly.”

The ministry said the initiative would help reduce the country’s reliance on landfills. Malaysia currently generates more than 39,000 tonnes of solid waste a day.

Shopping centre operators and local authorities would also benefit from improved collection of recyclable materials, while the public can earn money through trash-to-cash programmes, by turning in such materials. - FMT