WASTE management has been a significant problem in Malaysia for decades, but with continued efforts by industry players, this longstanding issue can be addressed accordingly, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Despite increased recycling initiatives in recent years, Malaysia continues to produce tens of thousands of tons of waste annually compared to 20 years ago when little to no recycling efforts were in place.
Earlier today, Chow visited Shan Poornam Metals Sdn Bhd, where he was given a tour of the facility’s main operational sites to better understand their extensive role in industrial solid waste management.
“Shan Poornam stands as a partner to our vision of integrated waste management.
“This facility not only manages e-waste but nearly all industrial waste codes.
“This capability showcases a powerful commitment to environmental sustainability, and it is great to have such a facility operating right here in Penang.
“In 2005, Malaysia produced only 19,000 tons of waste per day. However, in 2018, it was 38,000 tons.
“These figures were after recycling initiatives had risen from 5% in 2005 to 17.5% in 2018.
“Yet in 2023, Malaysia still produced around 39,000 tons of waste per day, despite a recycling rate of about 35.38%.
“Thus, in line with achieving the National Recycling Rate (NRR) of 40% by 2025, Penang can contribute further and lead the charge, especially when we have companies like Shan Poornam with a vision of creating a greener and safer environment for all.
“Parallel to the Penang2030 vision, the state government has increased its attention to waste management and recycling.
“We believe that to raise the level of liveability for Penangites, our homes, shops, and streets must be clean and hygienic.
“To achieve this, we have set a target to raise our recycling rate to 70% by 2030 and have implemented a ‘Waste Separation at Source’ policy to reduce waste generation for disposal.
“At the same time, we have strengthened our engagements with private waste management and recycling industries to aid in achieving our targets. Hence, Shan Poornam’s contribution in this field is significant,” Chow said during his speech at Shan Poornam’s main office in Perai today.
A brief ceremony involving key stakeholders, industry players, and other relevant parties was held, during which a short video about the recent groundbreaking ceremony of the Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) was shown.
Shan Poornam managing director Datuk Seri S. Selvakumar Chetty said the quarters, strategically located next to Batu Kawan, will provide a comfortable and respectful shelter for the workers, equipped with important facilities.
No further details about the quarters were revealed during the ceremony.
Separately, responding to a reporter’s question on whether Donald Trump’s comeback as the President of the United States could impact current or upcoming investments in Penang, Chow said he hopes industry players will remain optimistic even with Trump winning and focus on continued development.
“Malaysia can still benefit, but hopefully, with these election results, it won’t jeopardise what we have and we will continue to grow despite new policies.
“We will remain cautiously optimistic about opportunities to form strategic partnerships with the USA,” Chow added.
Also present at the event was state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi