Federal govt mandates recycling centres for shopping malls for licence approval, renewal

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 6: From this month onward, shopping malls must have recycling facilities in place to qualify for licence approval and renewal by local authorities.

According to the federal Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, the measure was approved by the Cabinet on Friday (June 5).

He explained that the initiative will be introduced in phases, beginning with engagement and awareness efforts involving mall operators, before pilot projects are conducted by selected local authorities to evaluate implementation outcomes.

“Enforcement will then be carried out in stages before full compliance becomes mandatory for all shopping malls nationwide,” he said, according to the New Straits Times.

He added that the proposal would also be tabled at the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) to ensure coordinated implementation at state and local authority levels.

The move aims to strengthen solid waste management, improve public access to recycling facilities, and accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards a circular economy.

Nga noted that Malaysia generates over 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, and that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening recycling practices and promoting environmental sustainability.

“Shopping malls are among the most frequently visited public spaces. By providing recycling facilities at these strategic locations, the public will have easier access to separate and dispose of recyclable materials responsibly.

“This will help increase the national recycling rate, reduce waste sent to landfills and support long-term environmental sustainability,” he added.

He also said members of the public could benefit from ‘trash-to-cash’ initiatives by depositing recyclable materials at designated facilities. — DayakDaily