OBJECTIVE:

At the recent “Solid Waste and Sustainability” forum, featured a scene-setting address by Dato’ Dr Nurlela, providing policy and sustainability context on solid waste management in Malaysia. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, FASc, Chairman of Friends of Sustainable Malaysia. Panellists included Professor Dato’ Ahmad Ibrahim, FASc (UCSI University), Dato’ Dr Nadzry Yahya, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, and Dr Hazlin Ben Aissa from Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The forum concluded with reflections by Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, reinforcing the need for strong leadership and collective action to drive systemic change towards sustainable waste management.

Attendees tackled the urgent reality that 40% of Malaysia’s waste is food, while also highlighting promising local solutions—like Penang’s “food retort” initiative, which redirects hotel leftovers to communities in need. 

The discussion pushed for a fundamental change in mindset: moving from indifference (tak apa) to responsibility (tak patut), and finally to refusal (tak boleh) when it comes to waste. A simple yet powerful slogan captured the spirit: “Don’t waste waste.” Speakers advocated for rebranding “waste” as “residue”—a resource to be repurposed. 

Debate surrounded technologies like Waste-to-Energy (WTE), often misunderstood by the public. Experts clarified that modern incinerators operate above 800°C, safely breaking down even harmful substances like dioxin. Yet, progress relies on a dedicated driver—someone to champion policies, regulations, and public trust. 

The forum ended with pressing questions: Is Malaysia truly one of the top contributors of plastic to the ocean? Can we achieve Zero Waste or Zero Landfill? Though answers are complex, the call was clear—systemic change begins with awareness, action, and a shift in how we see what we leave behind.