Housing minister urges waste separation to be taught young as Malaysia studies Japan’s recycling model

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — Malaysia is seeking to implement Japan's waste separation and recycling techniques to foster environmentally responsible practices and advance towards a circular economy, reported Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Japan's reputation for efficient waste management, particularly its culture of separating waste at the source, could serve as a valuable learning opportunity for Malaysia, according to the minister.

Good habits should begin at a young age, he emphasized, and children should be taught about waste separation, recycling, and maintaining clean surroundings to establish cleanliness as a cultural norm rather than a enforced practice.

Nga informed that Malaysia and Japan were set to enhance cooperation in advancing the circular economy and modernizing waste management through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations, which was approved by the Cabinet last month. The MoU will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, technology, and best practices between the two countries.

During a courtesy visit to the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata, Nga discussed the cooperation proposal. He highlighted that Malaysia has already introduced several initiatives to support the transition, such as the National Circular Economy Blueprint, the establishment of the National Circular Economy Council (NCEC), and mandating recycling facilities in shopping malls as part of licensing requirements. Additionally, Malaysia continues to phase out single-use plastic bags.

Nga stated that combining Japan's expertise and technological capabilities with Malaysia's ongoing reforms could accelerate the shift towards cleaner, greener, and more sustainable cities. Shikata invited the Malaysian delegation to attend GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, providing additional opportunities for cooperation in areas like smart and sustainable cities.