THE Pulau Burung landfill in Seberang Perai is expected to reach full capacity by Aug 1, prompting the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to set up a Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Processing Centre at the Batu Maung Transfer Station.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the centre, covering two acres, will help reduce the high cost of transporting waste to Seberang Perai.
“Currently, waste from the island is compressed at the Batu Maung Transfer Station before being sent to Pulau Burung or other landfills in Seberang Perai for disposal. Once Pulau Burung reaches full capacity, all waste will have to be transported to Seberang Perai, which will incur significant costs,” he said.
Rajendran explained that the processing centre will help cut down expenses, as MBPP currently spends RM33 per tonne on waste processing and RM45 per tonne on transportation.
“If we can manage C&D waste on the island itself, we estimate savings of approximately RM15 million,” he added.
Once operational, the centre will transform construction waste into reusable materials, such as bricks, which can be used locally or exported.
“This initiative not only supports recycling efforts but also reduces waste disposal costs. The funds saved can be redirected towards other community development projects,” he said.
He also highlighted that Penang currently has 32 waste segregation stations, with plans to increase the number to 50 by the end of the year. However, he expressed concern that some facilities remain underutilised.
“Many people still do not practise proper waste segregation. We hope to increase public awareness through more outreach efforts,” he said during the launch of a waste segregation station and prayer pavilion at Jalan Mahkamah today.
MBPP councillor Mohd Yussoff Mohd Noor, who oversees the initiative, said other countries have successfully generated revenue through proper waste management, while Malaysia continues to incur high costs in handling waste.
“After night markets, for example, our cleaning teams have to deal with large amounts of additional waste. Cleanliness is a key indicator of a country’s progress, and we hope the public will be more responsible,” Mohd Yussoff said.
Story & pix by Lim Min Jun