Despite its limited land and sole landfill, Penang is a shining example of a state that manages its waste properly through well-executed policies and campaigns to raise awareness among locals. – Scoop file pic, August 18, 2024
Opinion/Analysis
Penang sets benchmark in waste management – Ravindran Raman Kutty
Sound policies, decisive action help return shine to the Pearl of the Orient
18 August, 2024, 5:00 PM MYT
Penang sets benchmark in waste management – Ravindran Raman Kutty
Sound policies, decisive action help return shine to the Pearl of the Orient
18 August, 2024, 5:00 PM MYT
A recent trip to Penang reminded me of how far ahead this state is in its waste management efforts.
I reached out to former Sg Puyu assemblyman Datuk Phee Boon Poh, who is the longest-serving elected state executive member (from 2008 to 2023).
He was instrumental in returning the shine to “The Pearl of the Orient.”
His gracious response to my questions was truly encouraging, with his knowledge and understanding of the system on the back of his hand.
This made me wonder if any other local politicians possessed such an amount of knowledge ready to share with such precision and speed.
Over the past decade, Penang has experienced phenomenal growth in waste generation, escalating from 646,212.06 tonnes in 2013 to 810,978.25 tonnes in 2023.
This significant increase highlights the mounting waste management challenge as the amount generated grew annually, peaking at 842,936.98 tonnes in 2020.
Despite slight fluctuations, such as a decrease in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the overall trend points to a substantial rise in waste management generation – emphasising the urgent need for enhanced waste management and recycling initiatives to cope with this rapid growth.
What did Penang do to make it spotless?
This state faces unique challenges in solid waste management due to its limited land availability and having only one landfill.
All waste from the island and the mainland is sent to the Pulau Burung Sanitary Landfill in Nibong Tebal.
In 2016, Penang implemented the Waste Segregation At Source (WSAS) Policy, requiring residents to segregate their waste into recyclables and general waste.
This policy aimed to divert waste, reduce landfill burden, and encourage recycling.
Over the past decade, Penang has significantly improved its recycling rate, rising from 31.17% in 2013 to 53.69% in 2023. This upward trend reflects successful waste management strategies, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.
Notable increases occurred between 2013 and 2019, with the rate climbing from 31.17% to 46.61% and continuing to surpass the halfway mark by reaching 53.69% in 2023.
This near doubling of the recycling rate underscores Penang’s commitment to environmental sustainability and sets a strong foundation for future progress.
Penang’s Waste Management: A Success Story
Penang’s efforts in waste management are commendable. Penang has set a benchmark for other states through innovative policies, community engagement, and strict enforcement.
The state government deserves much applause for transforming Penang into a model of cleanliness and sustainability, proving that with the right initiatives, even limited resources can lead to significant environmental progress.
The state has implemented several measures to manage waste effectively and promote sustainability:
– WSAS Policy mandates that residents separate general waste from recyclables collected weekly
– No Plastic Bag Day Campaign, in effect since 2009, prohibits the use of plastic bags on certain days of the week, and imposes RM1 charge on others
– Polystyrene Container Ban in 2012
– No Plastic Straw Campaign which ensured straws were only given upon request
– Educational initiatives include eco talks, environmental maps, and workshops
– The Penang Green Council offers incentives through various green schemes, including the distribution of paper containers to hawkers during the MCO in April 2021
– Penang Green Agenda, initiated in 2016, addresses broader sustainability and environmental issues.
The state further acknowledges the efforts of all involved in the waste management system and, in appreciation, handed out state-level honours to five waste workers during the recent Penang Governors Awards.
Through several of my articles, I have constantly urged our local councils to visit our neighbour Singapore to learn and emulate their impressive waste management practice and system.
However, I now wish to differ – visit Penang instead.
I suggest that the Waste Management Association of Malaysia organise its subsequent national waste management conference in Penang and invite local Penang folk to share how they managed to transform a not-so-clean state into an admirably spotless one.
Commitment and conviction are the two keywords that waste workers must possess. Waste management is not a 9-to-5 job.
It is a task that requires 24/7 commitment. We need waste workers at every level to carry out their tasks in the most committed manner.
Malaysians are careless about their waste. Penang has turned the tables and set the highest standards and deserves much credit for its efforts. – August 18, 2024
I reached out to former Sg Puyu assemblyman Datuk Phee Boon Poh, who is the longest-serving elected state executive member (from 2008 to 2023).
He was instrumental in returning the shine to “The Pearl of the Orient.”
His gracious response to my questions was truly encouraging, with his knowledge and understanding of the system on the back of his hand.
This made me wonder if any other local politicians possessed such an amount of knowledge ready to share with such precision and speed.
Over the past decade, Penang has experienced phenomenal growth in waste generation, escalating from 646,212.06 tonnes in 2013 to 810,978.25 tonnes in 2023.
This significant increase highlights the mounting waste management challenge as the amount generated grew annually, peaking at 842,936.98 tonnes in 2020.
Despite slight fluctuations, such as a decrease in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the overall trend points to a substantial rise in waste management generation – emphasising the urgent need for enhanced waste management and recycling initiatives to cope with this rapid growth.
What did Penang do to make it spotless?
This state faces unique challenges in solid waste management due to its limited land availability and having only one landfill.
All waste from the island and the mainland is sent to the Pulau Burung Sanitary Landfill in Nibong Tebal.
In 2016, Penang implemented the Waste Segregation At Source (WSAS) Policy, requiring residents to segregate their waste into recyclables and general waste.
This policy aimed to divert waste, reduce landfill burden, and encourage recycling.
Over the past decade, Penang has significantly improved its recycling rate, rising from 31.17% in 2013 to 53.69% in 2023. This upward trend reflects successful waste management strategies, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.
Notable increases occurred between 2013 and 2019, with the rate climbing from 31.17% to 46.61% and continuing to surpass the halfway mark by reaching 53.69% in 2023.
This near doubling of the recycling rate underscores Penang’s commitment to environmental sustainability and sets a strong foundation for future progress.
Penang’s Waste Management: A Success Story
Penang’s efforts in waste management are commendable. Penang has set a benchmark for other states through innovative policies, community engagement, and strict enforcement.
The state government deserves much applause for transforming Penang into a model of cleanliness and sustainability, proving that with the right initiatives, even limited resources can lead to significant environmental progress.
The state has implemented several measures to manage waste effectively and promote sustainability:
– WSAS Policy mandates that residents separate general waste from recyclables collected weekly
– No Plastic Bag Day Campaign, in effect since 2009, prohibits the use of plastic bags on certain days of the week, and imposes RM1 charge on others
– Polystyrene Container Ban in 2012
– No Plastic Straw Campaign which ensured straws were only given upon request
– Educational initiatives include eco talks, environmental maps, and workshops
– The Penang Green Council offers incentives through various green schemes, including the distribution of paper containers to hawkers during the MCO in April 2021
– Penang Green Agenda, initiated in 2016, addresses broader sustainability and environmental issues.
The state further acknowledges the efforts of all involved in the waste management system and, in appreciation, handed out state-level honours to five waste workers during the recent Penang Governors Awards.
Through several of my articles, I have constantly urged our local councils to visit our neighbour Singapore to learn and emulate their impressive waste management practice and system.
However, I now wish to differ – visit Penang instead.
I suggest that the Waste Management Association of Malaysia organise its subsequent national waste management conference in Penang and invite local Penang folk to share how they managed to transform a not-so-clean state into an admirably spotless one.
Commitment and conviction are the two keywords that waste workers must possess. Waste management is not a 9-to-5 job.
It is a task that requires 24/7 commitment. We need waste workers at every level to carry out their tasks in the most committed manner.
Malaysians are careless about their waste. Penang has turned the tables and set the highest standards and deserves much credit for its efforts. – August 18, 2024
Ravindran Raman Kutty is a communications expert who also worked in waste management
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