Malaysia recognised for zero-waste innovation

Malaysia has received the Global Zero Waste Special Citation Award — the highest accolade from the Zero Waste Foundation — for its leadership in sustainable waste management and circular economy principles. BERNAMA PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has received the Global Zero Waste Special Citation Award — the highest accolade from the Zero Waste Foundation — for its leadership in sustainable waste management and circular economy principles.

The award was presented by Turkiye's First Lady Emine Erdogan, who also serves as patron of the Zero Waste Foundation, to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming during the Global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul on Sunday.

Nga described the recognition as a testament to Malaysia's efforts in transforming urban waste management, promoting environmental stewardship and fostering innovative solutions for sustainable cities.

"This global recognition strengthens my resolve to be a steadfast champion for this cause.

"I pledge that my team and I will work tirelessly to forge a sincere and meaningful partnership with the Zero Waste Foundation, as mandated by the United Nations.

"Together, we will elevate these principles on the global stage — at the UN, in the Asia-Pacific and across Asean," said Nga, who is also United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly president in his acceptance speech.

He said the award highlighted the importance of stronger multilateral action and a global commitment to rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle.

The other award categories are Innovative Research and Design, Zero Waste Projects and Zero Waste Practices.

Malaysia's award underscores its leadership and achievements in advancing zero-waste solutions.

Malaysia's commitment to sustainability can be seen in initiatives like recycling centres and the Trash to Cash programme, as well as the launch of the Circular Economy Blueprint 2025-2035, which promotes producer responsibility, digital waste tracking systems and green technology hubs.

The country has also transformed old landfills into Lestari (Sustainable) Parks and developed Kuala Lumpur's artificial intelligence-powered transfer station, which processes 2,500 tonnes of waste daily.

In addition, more than 100,000 volunteers have been mobilised under the annual Hari Cuci Malaysia campaign, modelled on the UN World Cleanup Day, which has broken five national records since its inception last year.

The Global Zero Waste Forum 2025, themed "Zero Waste in Action: People, Places, Progress", was held from Oct 17 to 19 in Istanbul.

It hosted participants from 104 countries, including 118 international partner organisations, mayors, ambassadors and senior representatives from international institutions such as the UN, UN-Habitat, UN Environment Programme and UN Development Programme.

Hosted by the Zero Waste Foundation, the forum serves as a global platform to strengthen international cooperation towards achieving waste-free, sustainable cities in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Read the full article at New Straits Times