INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION (ISWA) BEACON CONFERENCE ASIA 2024
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION (ISWA) BEACON CONFERENCE ASIA 2024 OFFICIATING SPEECH
6 MARCH 2024 | MERCURE HOTEL, PENANG
YB. H'ng Mooi Lye
Penang State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Town & Country Planning
Dato' Ir. Rajendran A/L P. Anthony
Mayor of Penang Island City Council (MBPP)
Mr. Muhamad Husni Bin Mahmud
Division Secretary of the State Local Government Department
Mr. Ho De Leong
Chairman of Waste Management Association Malaysia
Ms. Melissa Tan
Chairman of Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore
Mr. M. Satya Oktamalandi
Secretary General of Indonesia Solid Waste Association
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening to you all.
First and foremost, I am deeply honoured to stand before you today as the Chief Minister of Penang, representing the collective aspirations of every Penangite in garnering a greener and more sustainable future for the state. I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizers of today’s conference: the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Waste Management Association of Malaysia (WMAM), the Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS), and the Indonesia Solid Waste Association (InSWA) for their tireless efforts and invaluable contributions. Your commitment to advancing sustainable solutions is truly commendable.
As we gather for ISWA Beacon Conference Asia 2024, we mark a pivotal moment in Malaysia's journey towards a circular economy. The concept of the circular economy offers a transformative approach to waste management, one that not only mitigates environmental impact but also unlocks economic opportunities.
Malaysia, under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government has taken proactive steps towards seizing the opportunities that lie within the realm of circular economy. Recently, the ministry drafted a five-year plan (2021-2025) to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable circular economy model that is aligned with the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12). Under this plan, a Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste will be produced, enhancing waste eco park development guidelines, and the establishment of an integrated solid waste management facility outfitted with sanitary solid waste disposal sites, anaerobic digestion, composting machines, waste-to-energy (WtE) plants, and material recovery facilities. Not to mention also, the National Circular Economy Council that was erected to coordinate and enact cooperation among governmental departments, ministries, state legislation, municipal, and private sectors in comprehensively implementing circular economy in Malaysia.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The ISWA Beacon Conference Asia 2024 signifies a collaborative effort among Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. This gathering serves as a beacon for sharing regional insights and knowledge, fostering collaboration towards sustainable waste management practices, and reflecting our shared vision for a brighter and greener future that transcends beyond the region.
In confronting the challenges of waste management, Penang has spearhead initiatives aimed at reducing waste production and promoting recycling practices. We as Penangites take pride in leading Malaysia into a greener and sustainable future. Matter of fact, Penang became the first state in Malaysia to ban the use of polystyrene, thus, posing an incremental effort to minimize plastic waste in our landfills. Additionally, our 'Waste Segregation at Source' policy, launched in 2016, has been instrumental in achieving a recycling rate of 51.2% by 2022. Embracing a dual waste separation policy further enhances our efforts to divert valuable resources from landfills, recognizing that significant potential lies in the materials we discard.
The state's commitment to environmental sustainability is underlined not only by its comprehensive strategy which encompasses proactive measures to promote recycling, conserve natural resources, and foster sustainable development but also by the Penang Green Agenda 2030 and the Penang2030 vision, particularly Theme A: Increase Liveability to Enhance Quality of Life. This theme strategically aims to channel at least 300 tons of organic waste to the “Waste to Energy” plant and increase recycling rates among households.
Recognizing the imperative for collective action, the state has also been proactive in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, prominent NGOs such as the Penang Green Council, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, and the Consumers' Association of Penang, as well as community groups. By sharing one vision, uniting efforts and expertise, this collaborative approach has managed to maximize and leverage resources, expertise, and support, amplifying our impact and paving the way for a not just greener but also a more resilient future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is undeniable that traditional linear models of waste management have led to significant environmental degradation, resource depletion, and economic inefficiencies. Our planet is inundated with waste, much of which ends up in landfills or pollutes our oceans, posing grave threats to ecosystems and human health.
Nonetheless, the transition to a circular economy in waste management offers a multitude of benefits. In terms of environmental preservation, adoption as such could push in a fundamental shift enabling society to produce, consume, and manage materials better. Hence, fostering a regenerative economic model that preserves natural resources and minimizes environmental impact.
Aside from that, economic opportunities could widen as circular economy initiatives not only create jobs but also stimulate innovation and investment in sustainable technologies as well as the establishment of new markets for recycled materials. Lastly, a circular economy builds resilience and security. By reducing our reliance on finite resources, we strengthen our resilience to economic shocks and resource scarcity.
To sum up, let us heed the call to action for a circular economy in waste management. Together, we can build a future where waste is a valuable resource to be cherished and reused rather than disposing of. As environmentalist Jane Goodall once said, "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Together, let us choose to make a difference for the betterment of our planet and future generations.
Thank you.