Malaysia is a country that has recorded a phenomenal economic development success story. One of the most important problems is solid waste due to inadequate management practices. This resulted in an increase in the amount of waste generated. The national average in at 0.5-0.8 kg/person/day, but in the cities the figures have escalated to 1.7 kg/person/day. This paper addresses the current practice of solid waste management and its disposal in Malaysia. Currently, the waste management approach being employed is landfill, but due to rapid development and lack of space for new landfills, Malaysian states are switching to incineration. The conclusion of this paper is that the earlier practice of solid waste management in Malaysia is not clearly documented and this conclusion can be confirmed by the word of Malaysia Prime Minister once he said that the Ministry of Housing and Local government must study any policy or legislation which could help enhance the practice. On the other hand, it appears that the current policy and system are more resulting from reacting to the problem of increasing waste, in particular in urban areas, and less from taking a practical stand in respect of tackling the problem at its root. Setting clear guidelines about the objectives of waste management and adopting certain principles would allow for such a practical stand. Above all, there should be a target on what to achieve before any program is set up.
Solid waste management problems proved to be complex in origin and in solution. The rapid economic development and population growth experienced by the State of Penang, Malaysia have resulted in a tremendous increase in the quantities and types of solid wastes generated. Domestic solid waste is the most visible consequence of this economic development. However, considerable amounts of this waste could be recycled and reutilized if separated. This paper reviews the current status of solid wastes management in Penang State and offers recommendations for future improvements. The existing solid waste management system is currently affected by unfavourable economic, institutional, legislative, technical and operational constraints. A reliable waste collection service is clearly needed and the waste collection vehicles need to be appropriate to the local situation, whilst more vehicles are required to cope with the ever increasing volumes of wastes generated. More effective efforts are also needed to involve the public in policy and service plans development, as well as the implementation of future waste management programmes, including decisions regarding landfill sites. Public support including participation is essential for the success of such decisions and for the sustainability of the new strategies, plans and services.
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