MSW Management in Malaysia-Changes for Sustainability

In Malaysia, urban waste generation increased 3% annually due to urban migration, affluence and rapid development. To date, the waste generation in Kuala Lumpur had increased tenfold since the 1990s from approximately 590 tonnes to 3000 tonnes/day mainly dominated by organic waste of approximately 50% of the total waste stream. Almost 95% of wastes collected are disposed of into more than 300 landfills; that landfill space is being exhausted rapidly. The fact that landfills are seen as a mere burden and not as a commodity (to generate Energy) in Malaysia is another aspect that impedes establishment of sustainable landfills. Though many challenges become the hurdles for an efficient waste management in the country, recent development, namely the passing of Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 has carved a brighter future for waste management in Malaysia. This chapter elaborates the development of the waste management trend in Malaysia from the 1970s to the current years. Various case studies are given to highlight some of the crucial events that lead to the progress of waste management in Malaysia.