Global Action Needed To Accelerate Zero Waste Transition For Resilient Cities - Nga

PUTRAJAYA, March 30 (Bernama) -- Collective global action is urgently needed to accelerate the transition towards zero-waste cities in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 climate agenda, said UN-Habitat Assembly President cum Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

He said the 2030 climate goal, anchored in the Paris Agreement and SDG 13, requires urgent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half by 2030 and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Achieving the target, he noted, requires strong political will, the integration of climate measures into national policies, enhanced resilience, and the mobilisation of climate finance alongside sustainable waste management initiatives.

“Cities are on the frontline of the global waste crisis. Without decisive action, waste generation is projected to surge by 2050, straining landfills, ecosystems, and urban liveability," he said in a statement today.

He said sustainable waste management is a critical pillar in advancing climate resilience, resource efficiency and public health, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions such as ASEAN.

To address the growing challenge, three strategic priorities have been outlined to advance the zero waste agenda at national and global levels, including accelerating circular economy practices that prioritise waste reduction, reuse and recycling across sectors.

Other priorities include adopting smart waste management systems leveraging digital innovation, big data analytics and smart technologies to optimise waste collection and processing, as well as strengthening collaboration among governments, private sector players and communities to scale up sustainable solutions and lifestyles.

“In Malaysia, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) continues to lead by example, advancing its commitment to sustainable waste management and circular economy principles.

“Key initiatives include the nationwide expansion of recycling centres to promote waste segregation and recovery, implementation of the 'Trash to Cash' programme to encourage community participation in recycling and the transformation of old landfills into renewable energy-powered Lestari Parks serving as green community spaces,” Nga said.

Malaysia has also accelerated the development of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant capacity in Ladang Merah, Port Dickson and Sungai Udang, Melaka, while strengthening enforcement efforts that led to the closure of 3,634 illegal dumping sites across seven states and the removal of 1,530 tonnes of solid waste in 2025.

Malaysia continues to consolidate sustainable waste initiatives through the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp), focusing on waste segregation at source, recycling expansion and nationwide awareness campaigns. 

“Beyond immediate environmental benefits, reducing waste is a vital practice for conserving energy, especially non-renewable sources and strengthening long-term energy security, ensuring a sustainable future,” he added.

-- BERNAMA