CAP and SAM Urge Malaysia to Transition to Zero Waste, Cancel Waste-to-Energy Incineration Plans

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) have jointly submitted a memorandum titled “Malaysia Must Move Towards Zero Waste: The Case Against Waste-to-Energy Incineration” to the Prime Minister, relevant Ministries and agencies on 14 August 2024. The memorandum urges cancellation of the proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration projects in Malaysia and calls for a transition to Zero Waste.

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has announced plans to build 18 WTE plants in Malaysia by 2040. Bernama report dated 1 July 2024 quoted KPKT Minister Nga Kor Ming that the 18 proposed WTE plants will be built in Kedah (Jabi and Padang Cina); Johor (Bukit Payung, Seelong and Sedili); Pahang (Jabor-Jerangau and Belenggu); Melaka (Sungai Udang); Kuala Lumpur (Rawang); Selangor (Jeram, Tanjung 12 and Rawang 2); Penang (Pulau Burung); Perak (Lahat, Taiping and Manjung), Terengganu (Tertak Batu) and Kelantan (Jedok). We strongly oppose the proposed development of these WTE incinerators.

WTE incineration poses significant environmental and health risks, as it releases harmful pollutants like dioxins, furans, heavy metals and particulate matters. It contradicts circular economy principles by discouraging recycling and composting while generating hazardous ash that exacerbates waste toxicity. Moreover, WTE incinerators do not qualify as renewable energy sources since they rely on non-renewable waste, which hinders recycling efforts and resource conservation. WTE incineration is the most expensive and least efficient method of energy generation. Furthermore, these incinerators emit more carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour than fossil fuel power plants, contributing to climate change.

Newer waste incinerator technologies are claimed to run more cleanly and with less environmental impact. Nevertheless, pollutants are still produced, with upgraded facilities requiring regular service to maintain emission levels. There is some suggestion that newer incinerator technologies with robust maintenance schedules may be less harmful, but diseases from exposures tend to manifest only after many years of cumulative exposure, so it is premature to conclude that these newer technologies improve safety.

To address Malaysia’s waste management challenges, CAP and SAM advocate for a Zero Waste approach, emphasizing resource efficiency, recovery, and conservation. This strategy includes waste reduction, composting, recycling, reuse, refill, repair, and changes in consumption habits. Enhancing waste collection and sorting infrastructure, supporting circular economy practices, and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are crucial steps. Additionally, establishing dedicated e-waste recycling programs, deposit-refund systems, and reuse and refill initiatives will further support sustainable waste management.

In conclusion, CAP and SAM reiterate that WTE incinerators are false solutions to our waste and energy crisis, and we strongly urge the government to focus on Zero Waste approaches that are cost-effective, safer, generate jobs, protect the environment, and contribute to resilient and sustainable communities.

The memorandum can be viewed at: https://consumer.org.my/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ENG-Memorandum_-Waste-to-Energy-Incinerators.pdf

Mohideen Abdul Kader                                                          
President                                                                               
Consumers’ Association of Penang        

Mageswari Sangaralingam 
Honorary Secretary                             
Sahabat Alam Malaysia

Press Statement, 19 August 2024