Waste Management In Malaysia Research Articles

Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Malaysia: Overview of Costing and Incentives

This study addresses the critical challenges and initiatives in solid waste management (SWM) within the context of sustainable urban development in Malaysia. Acknowledging the complicated nature of SWM, the research explores municipal planning, transportation systems, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction, education, and waste management. The literature review incorporates global perspectives, highlighting SWM hierarchies, institutional effectiveness, sustainability challenges in diverse regions, and practical guidelines. The Malaysian context underscores the nation's dedication to sustainable development, regulatory structures, and the growing expenses associated with SWM. The discussion highlights the limitations of landfills in Malaysia, urging consideration of alternative solutions like waste-to-energy plants. The study aims to investigate SWM practices, operators' costs, and government incentives in Malaysia, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject for informed policymaking.

The role of general and specific pro-environmental education in household waste management in Malaysia: Evidence from quantile regression

This study uses integrated behavioral model as the guiding framework to examine the role of general and specific environmental education in promoting household pro-environmental behavior. The data collected from a convenience sample of 213 household representatives using self-administered questionnaires were analyzed using OLS and quantile regressions. The results show that specific knowledge, intention, and salience of behavior have positive effects on pro-environmental behavior, while environmental constraints have negative effects. The effects vary across different quantiles of pro-environmental behavior, which imply that different emphasis and strategies should be placed based on different levels of pro-environmental behavior to encourage such behavior. The result of the joint effect of general and specific environmental knowledge shows that specific knowledge is a significant factor of pro-environmental behavior, but not general environmental knowledge. Intention becomes more important in encouraging pro-environmental behavior as the gap between general and specific environmental knowledge widens. The overall result suggests that different strategies should be designed and implemented based on different levels of behavior in encouraging household pro-environmental behavior, especially for those with low-level of pro-environmental behavior but with high intention as they require improved specific environmental knowledge and skills, support and facilities, and recognition of their pro-environmental behavior.

A Study of Waste Generation Prediction using Correlation and Multiple Regression Analyses

Today, governments, policymakers, and the public are deeply invested in waste generation and environmental preservation. Increased volumes of waste generation continue unabated due mainly to rapid population increase, urban migration, economic enhancements, and modern lifestyles. Two significant factors contributing directly to the higher waste generation volumes are population and gross domestic product (GDP). In Phase 1 of this study, a correlation analysis with a Pearson coefficient of more than 93% (r > 0.93) shows a strong positive linear relationship between the amount of waste generation and population and GDP. Phase 2 provides a multiple regression analysis and the development of a regression model. They indicate that a 1-unit increment in waste generation is caused by 0.06 of the population and 0.119 of GDP while ßo remains constant at 124.449. Therefore, the multiple regression model in this study can be applied by solid waste management authorities in Malaysia to forecast future waste generation volumes accurately. However, further investigation on other significant factors is suggested for future work to develop a holistic model for solid waste management in Malaysia.

Sustainable Waste Management in Malaysia: Leveraging Supply Chain Solutions for a Greener Future

Sustainable waste management has become a critical global concern, and Malaysia is no exception. With the country's increasing urbanization and economic growth, waste generation has risen significantly, posing environmental and social challenges. This paper explores the concept of sustainable waste management in Malaysia and proposes leveraging supply chain solutions as a pathway towards a greener future. The study examines the current waste management practices, their limitations, and the potential environmental impacts. It highlights the need for integrated and innovative approaches encompassing the entire waste management supply chain, from collection to disposal. By adopting sustainable supply chain practices, such as waste segregation, recycling, and waste-to-energy conversion, Malaysia can achieve more efficient resource utilization, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize landfill usage. Furthermore, the paper addresses the role of government policies, private sector engagement, and public awareness in fostering a successful transition towards sustainable waste management. The findings and recommendations presented in this study contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive and eco-friendly waste management system in Malaysia and serve as a model for other developing nations facing similar challenges.

The Role of Logispreneurs in Advancing Waste Management in Malaysia: Towards a Sustainable Reverse Logistics and Green Future

Waste management has emerged as a critical challenge in Malaysia, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization and changing consumption patterns. In response to these challenges, logispreneurs, a new breed of entrepreneurs with expertise in logistics and supply chain management, have emerged as key players in transforming waste management practices in the country. This research explores the vital roles and contributions of logispreneurs in the context of waste management in Malaysia, focusing on their efforts to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Through a simple literature analysis, this study highlights the multifaceted roles that logispreneurs play in shaping the waste management landscape. They pioneer integrated waste collection and transportation systems, leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to optimize routes and reduce carbon footprints. Moreover, logispreneurs lead the way in establishing reverse logistics networks for recyclable materials, fostering excellent recycling rates and diverting substantial waste from landfills. Logispreneurs specialize in managing hazardous waste materials, and ensuring safe transportation and disposal while complying with environmental regulations. They also contribute to public awareness and education campaigns, raising consciousness about sustainable waste management practices nationwide. This study elucidates the pivotal role logispreneurs play in revolutionizing waste management practices in Malaysia. Their logistics expertise and environmental consciousness amalgam present a promising pathway toward a sustainable future. By optimizing supply chain efficiencies, driving innovation and embracing social and environmental responsibility, logispreneurs are instrumental in building a resilient waste management ecosystem that ensures preservation of Malaysia's natural resources and safeguards the well-being of its citizens for generations to come.

Identifying the Initiatives of Construction Waste Management in Malaysia towards achieving Sustainable Construction

Construction waste management is not a new topic in the construction industry. It involves the management of waste material arising from construction, renovation, and demolition activities as such concrete, timber, steel, and plastics products. The poor construction waste management practice has led to failure to ensure sustainability in construction by increasing environmental impacts and illegal dumping. Hence, with proper construction waste management techniques and processes, the notion of sustainable construction can easily be achieved. The aim of this study is to identify the initiatives for construction waste management toward sustainable construction. The study adopted a quantitative method of questionnaires survey distributed to 118 numbers of Grade 7 Contractors in Pahang. The professional teams in the company provide their responses in regard to waste management initiatives taken by them. The findings revealed several initiatives taken by contractors in helping to move towards sustainable construction in Pahang as such strengthening the policies in government agencies regarding waste management and compliance with the law to the general legislative structure. This study contributes to increasing the effectiveness of managing construction waste, particularly for contractor companies who are major involved during the construction process.

Optimization of Sugarcane Bagasse Conversion Technologies Using Process Network Synthesis Coupled with Machine Learning

Sugarcane bagasse is a commonly generated item from the food industry in the world—the amount of sugarcane bagasse production is increasing yearly. In 2017, the reported sugarcane production in Malaysia was 30,000 kg, which resulted in 9,800 kg of sugarcane bagasse. Sugarcane bagasse produces steam as waste management in Malaysia or simply in landfills. This study aims to optimize sugarcane bagasse conversion technologies using process network synthesis. A superstructure of sugarcane bagasse was created via P-Graph, with multiple pathways or processes being considered. Data needed for the sustainability assessment of each pathway was acquired from various journal sources, including conversion fraction, operating and capital cost, greenhouse gas emission, and the selling price of products were implemented into the superstructure. Then, the data from the feasible structure generated would be analyzed using machine learning via Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis software. The data sets were analyzed using this software using the selected algorithm as P-graph developed 17 feasible solution structures. All 17 generated solution structures were analyzed using six different classifier algorithms. The multilayer perceptron algorithm had the best and the least error in classifying the data. Hence, the multilayer perceptron algorithm proved that the correlation between products produced from sugarcane bagasse and the profitability of the process was significant. Therefore, the model can be a basis for determining the best process for sugarcane bagasse conversion technologies.

Managing ‘Wicked’ Technoscientific Problems: The Postnormal Science of Risk Narratives

Radioactive waste management in Malaysia remains a wicked problem, the result of extracting technoscientific knowledge for techno-economic and industrial science purposes. Early policies were not cognizant of the full extent of these risks. Moreover, wicked problems are complex problems that emerged out of interactions as a result of particular ecological conditions. Postnormal science (PNS) becomes the framework for the negotiation of these complexities. Science-based problem-solving is broadened to include non-science epistemologies, which enables the legitimation of participatory epistemic interventions from lay experts. The problems encountered in radioactive waste management resulted from the high-stake uncertainties involved in measuring and evaluating risks and their causes. Wicked problems arise when there are disagreements over the governance of risk; incomplete information received as a result of obtuseness in the decision-making process, or in the blackboxing of the risks occurrences and mechanisms of predictions; and contextual interpretations of data provided by different expert stakeholders that could culminate into misinformation. Wicked problems in the two cases to be discussed will be considered through these lenses: ambivalence over technoscientific authorities and the structures of (dis)trust, the over-reducibility of complex technoscientific problems, and the difficulties in enacting extended peer review when participatory practices were traditionally excluded from policy-making.

Within cluster pattern identification: A new approach for optimizing recycle point distribution to support policy implementation on waste management in Malaysia.

Despite the government's policies and objectives, Malaysia lags behind in sustainable waste management techniques, particularly recycling. Bins should be located conveniently to encourage recycling and reduce waste. The current model of bin location-allocation is mostly determined by distance. However, it has been identified that previous studies excluded an important factor: litter pattern identification. Litter pattern is important to identify waste generation hotspots and litter distribution. Thus, we proposed the within cluster pattern identification (WCPI) approach to optimize the recycle point distribution. WCPI gathers the information on litter distribution using geotagged images and analyses the pattern distribution. The optimal location for recycle bin can be identified by incorporating k-means clustering to the pattern distribution. Since k-means faces the non-deterministic polynomial-time-hard challenge of selecting the ideal cluster and cluster centre, WCPI used the total within-cluster sum of square on top of k-means clustering. The proposed location by WCPI is validated in terms of accessibility and suitability. Furthermore, this study provides further analysis of carbon footprint that can be reduced by simulating the data from geotagged images. The results show that 10,323.55 kg of carbon emission can be reduced if the litter is sent for recycling. Thus, we believe that locating bins at an optimal location will embark on consumer motivation to dispose of recycled waste, reduce litter and lessen the carbon footprint. At the same time, these efforts could transform Malaysia into a clean and sustainable nation that aims to achieve Agenda 2030.

Mean Score Analysis on Awareness of Solid Waste Management in Malaysia

Mean Score Analysis on Awareness of Solid Waste Management in Malaysia

The Assessment of Waste Segregation Exercise Among Malaysian Contractors: A Descriptive Analysis

Construction waste that emerges from construction sites has become a major global concern due to its negative carbon footprint on the environment. Due to underrepresented construction waste specific data in Malaysia, this paper aims to identify sources, causes, types of construction waste and decision-making factors of construction waste management in Malaysia's construction sites. A questionnaire survey was administered to 60 construction practitioners representing different construction sites in Peninsular Malaysia. A descriptive analysis using the Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the items asked in the survey and categorised them into high (RII>70%), medium (50%<RII<70%) or low (RII<50%) importance levels. The findings show that the top-ranked sources of construction waste categorised as high importance level are demolition, site clearance, and refurbishment. The causes, insufficient construction waste management plan, incorrect materials, design changes, over-ordering, errors in the contract document, and on-site technical errors are ranked as highly important. The top common waste materials include concrete, brick, metal, wood, glass and paper. The importance of all decision-making factors is high-rated; unexpectedly, environmental impact is the least important reason for construction waste management contractors. The results provide a perspective of the current practices of construction waste in Malaysia. The outcome is useful for waste managers and policymakers in developing potential waste management strategies for a more sustainable construction industry.

Tourists and Waste Management: Attitude, Motivation and Volunteerism

The Movement Control Order (MCO) is a security measure implemented globally to reduce the spread of Covid19. The implementation of MCO has been beneficial to the environment, particularly at various tourism destinations. However, since the lifting of MCO's, there have been numerous reports of littering by tourists. Therefore, the present study's main objective is to investigate tourists' attitudes towards proper solid waste management during visits to outdoor recreational areas in Malaysia. Furthermore, this study also investigates the motivation and volunteerism value amongst tourists. This study utilized an online questionnaire to gather the data from the 415 respondents participating in this study. Our study discovered that most local tourists were shown to have a positive attitude and motivation towards proper solid waste management. However, voluntary participation in proper solid waste management is still below the desirable level. The study revealed the current tourist attitude, motivation and volunteerism with regards to solid waste management in Malaysia. From the findings, the importance of the continuous public, government, and stakeholders efforts to raise awareness while maintaining a positive attitude and motivation is essential to boost volunteerism amongst tourists regarding waste management in Malaysia.

Senario Umum Pengurusan Sisa Pandemik COVID-19 di Malaysia: Satu Tinjauan

Malaysia recorded 880,782 cumulative confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 6,613 deaths as of July 15, 2021. The impact of the high number of infections and movement control order (MCO), Malaysia experienced a 60% to 70% increase in total household waste generation and 120% to 150% increase in healthcare waste. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the general scenario of COVID-19 pandemic waste management in Malaysia. The research methodology is by referring to the literatures in the scholar sites including Scopus, Web of Science and Malay Language journals using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) model. English journals were screened using the Central Access Database for Impact Assessment (CADIMA) software, while Malay journals screening was conducted using the Academia.edu search engine. The screening results found that a total of 43 articles out of 571 articles were identified to meet the study criteria. The findings of this study present the pandemic situation in Malaysia, the impact on waste management, the updating of guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the flow of waste management procedures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period. This study provides insights into the infectious waste management implemented in Malaysia, elucidating how waste management affects the spread of infection and necessary information on healthcare waste management procedures that have been updated by WHO (2020). Proposed further study on the waste management process in depth based on the guidelines that have been updated by WHO (2020) in health centers, residential areas and public places.

Correlation and Exploratory Factor Analysis on Awareness of Solid Waste Management in Malaysia

The objective of this study is to determine the awareness on solid waste management in Malaysia using an exploratory factor analysis. A questionnaire is developed and comprised of two sections, which are Section A for the background of respondent and Section B for the awareness on solid waste management. The sample for this preliminary study is 261 respondents. An exploratory factor analysis was implemented in order to classify the 19 items into specific proposed components. Moreover, the correlation analysis is conducted to examine the relationship between the items. As a result, the study revealed that the 19 items can be classified in to five main components which are awareness, practice, knowledge, attitude and perception. Thus, the results lead to formulate a new questionnaire. In addition, the new questionnaire will be distributing in future for identify the level of awareness on solid waste management among citizen in Malaysia.

Correlation Analysis and Multilinear Regression Model for Prediction on Solid Waste Generation in Malaysia

Increased volumes of solid waste generation continue unabated due mainly to rapid population increase, urban migration, economic enhancements, and modern lifestyles. Two significant factors contributing directly to the higher volumes of solid waste generation are population and gross domestic product (GDP). In Phase 1 of this study, a correlation analysis with a Pearson coefficient of more than 93% (r > 0.93) shows a strong positive linear relationship between the amount of solid waste generation and population and GDP. Phase 2 provides a multilinear regression analysis and the development of a regression model. They indicate that a 1-unit increment in the amount of solid waste generation is caused by 0.06 of the population and 0.119 of GDP while ßo remains constant at 124.449. Therefore, the multilinear regression model in this study can be applied by solid waste management authorities in Malaysia to accurately forecast future solid waste generation volumes. However, further investigation on other significance factors are suggested for future work in order to develop a holistic model for solid waste management in Malaysia.

Analysis of Socio-demographic Factors Influencing Households Participation in Sustainable Food Waste-management in Malaysia

Most local authorities in Malaysia spent as much as 60-70 percent of their annual budget to dispose food waste together with other municipal solid wastes to landfills. It is time for Malaysians to start reducing food waste through sustainable method, as it is becoming an uphill task to manage food wastes generated in Malaysia. When households reduce the amount of food waste generated in a sustainable way, it could help reduce cost, and other related bills for households, and as well in running their other daily activities. The main objective of this study is to assess how sociodemographic factors of households in Selangor and Terengganu influence their behaviour towards participation in sustainable food wastes management program. The study applied purposive nonrandom sampling consisting of 333 respondents, 257 were from Selangor and 76 from Terengganu. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire. Descriptive and logistics regression model analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings have shown 48.7 percent of Terengganu respondents spent not more than RM100 on food per week, while Selangor had 41.2 percent within the same period who spent such amount. 35.4 percent of Selangor respondents spent between RM101-200 compared to Terengganu which spent same amount at 30.3 percent within the same periods. The survey shows 43.2 percent of Selangor households disposed 1-3kg food wastes, while Terengganu on the other hand had 51.3 percent who disposed same quantities of food wastes per week. Respondents with higher education, those on government jobs, small family size and ethnicity have significant impacts on the respondents' behaviour towards participation in sustainable food waste management program. Note: US$1=RM4.09

Determinants of household’s intention of practicing sustainable food waste management in Malaysia

The issue of food waste continues to be a challenge especially when it comes to practicing sustainable food waste management in Malaysia. Much attention is needed to overcome the issue of food waste in order to make changes towards the current situation. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the factors related to the urban households’ intention towards sustainable food waste management in Malaysia. Data from 200 respondents was collected through an online survey using purposive sampling method. Thereafter, factor analysis was adopted to analyze the relationship between the factors influencing the intention of households to practice sustainable food waste management. Descriptive analysis showed that respondents from the survey had high intention of practicing sustainable food waste management and the majority of the respondents claimed that it would reduce environmental harm. Based on the factor analysis, the determinants related to the households’ intention of practicing sustainable food waste management were attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and intention of reducing food waste. To curb the growing issues of food waste, local authorities have implemented various strategies and campaigns to create awareness as well as ensuring practices to reduce local food waste, such as waste segregation laws, building anaerobic digesters for food courts, composting facilities, the MY Save Food initiative, and others. However, the efforts and the efficiency of the local authority to minimize local food waste are still under observation. Perhaps, all levels of the community should increase their cooperation to provide the drive towards a zero-food waste culture in Malaysia.

Biogas and biofertilizer production from organic fraction municipal solid waste for sustainable circular economy and environmental protection in Malaysia.

Waste management in Malaysia remains a persistent economic and environmental challenge. Up to date, more than 80% of Malaysian solid waste disposed at landfills and dumpsites. Therefore, Malaysia is facing an urgent need to move towards a sustainable solid waste management and thus resource recovery from organic solid waste. Hence, this study aims to investigate the feasibility of energy and bio fertilizer recovery from organic fraction municipal solid waste (OFMSW) via anaerobic digestion. The economic and environmental benefit analysis was investigated. Approximate and elementary analysis of OFMSW samples were carried out to estimate the potential production of biogas and bio fertilizer. It was found that organic waste contributes about 45% of the total MSW generated in Malaysia. Anaerobic digestion of 50% of organic waste is expected to produce 3941 MWh/day of electrical energy and 2500t/day of bio fertilizer. In terms of environmental impacts, 2735t/day of Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, 1128 m2/day of landfilling area and 481m3/day of leachate can be avoided. A net revenue of 3300 million RM (1 US Dollar ≈ 4.15 RM) can be generated by the sales of electricity via Feed-in-Tariff (FiT), sales of biofertilizer to local agricultural industries and inclusive of the saving generated from the reduction of OFMSW landfilling operations and leachate treatment at landfills. Economic development can go hand-in-hand with environmental sound practices in the field of waste management.

Preface

The 2020 International Symposium on Energy Environment and Green Development (EEGD 2020) was held in Chongqing, China in its first year during November 20-22, 2020. The conference aims to promote an exchange of recent and advanced information among scientists and engineers in the wide field of “energy”, “environment” and “green development”. The forum also aims particularly at promoting communication and collaboration between fundamental researchers and those engaged in the development of practical technology in respective areas of energy and environment.We were greatly honor to have invited Prof. Hui-Mi Hsu from National Dong-Hwa University and Prof. Bang-Fuh Chen from National Sun Yat-sen University Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China to serve as our Conference Chairman. A total of 100 people attended the conference, including three keynote speakers and eight scholars to share academic reports.The conference model was divided into two sessions, including oral presentations and keynote speeches. In the first part, some scholars, whose submissions were selected as the excellent papers, were given 15 minutes to perform their oral presentations one by one. Then in the second part, keynote speakers were each allocated 30-45 minutes to hold their speeches. In the keynote presentations part, our beloved Conference Chair, Prof. Hui-Mi Hsu, presented his latest research: Study on Permeability and Micro-structures of Non-cement Blended Composites. His study aimed to conduct in the mixture of non-cement blended materials using the combination of CFB co-fired fly ash and ground-granulated blast furnace slag without alkali activator. The effect of water/binder ratio, fly ash content and slag content on mechanical properties and microstructures has investigated. The second keynote speaker, Prof. Henry Hu, from University of Windsor. His research area: Environmentally friendly Lightweight Automotive Materials. Assoc. Prof. Zawawi Bin Daud, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, as our finale keynote speakers, presented his speech: Municipal Solid Waste Management in Malaysia. On his speech, he discussed finding a sustainable method for leachate treatment has always been a priority for landfill managers in order to safely discharge treated leachate into the water bodies without endangering the environment.The conference provided a forum for discussing Energy Environment and Green Development and in particular for promoting the interchange of novel ideas and the presentations of the latest developments in this field. This conference will also provide an ideal environment to develop new collaborations and meet experts on the fundamentals, applications, and products of the mentioned fields.EEGD 2020 is to bring together innovative academics and industrial experts in the field of Energy Environment and Green Development to a common forum. Therefore, we compiled a lot of excellent papers featuring the latest advanced studies on the following topics: Energy Science and Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Green Development and other related topics. All the papers have been through rigorous review and process to meet the requirements of International publication standard.We would like to acknowledge all of those who have supported EEGD 2020. Each individual and institutional help were very important for the success of this conference. Especially we would like to thank the organizing committee for their valuable advices in the organization and helpful peer review of the papers.The Organizing Committee of EEGD 2020List of Committee members are available in this pdf.

A review on achieving sustainable construction waste management through application of 3R (reduction, reuse, recycling): A lifecycle approach

This study shows that there is no systematic review of research progress in literature throughout the field of sustainable construction waste management by 3R (reduction, reuse, and recycling) A lifecycle approach, The need for processes, strategies, rating systems and policies for robust and efficient waste management is widely recognized. The paper aims to evaluate. A review of sustainable construction waste management in Malaysia to maximize the 3R and reduce the disposal of construction waste by implementing a sustainable strategy throughout project lifecycle. Managing landfill shortages and long-term negative environmental economic and social effects of sustainable waste disposal are now becoming crucial for the sustainability of public health and natural ecosystems. To make adjustments, causes and factors responsible for sustainable construction waste management and progress in moving towards sustainability, it is therefore important to define the existing waste management system and causative factors adopted by industries. It allows a major shift in waste management of Malaysia by improvising current technology for waste management in a much more sustainable way. Furthermore, this ongoing research would develop sustainable construction waste procedures to sustain environmental, economic and social development for a Malaysian construction project.