{
  "id": 8846217,
  "title": "Sabah needs localised solutions to tackle waste management, says IDS",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/sabah-needs-localised-solutions-to-tackle-waste-management-says-ids",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T04:36:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1537457/sabah-needs-localised-solutions-tackle-waste-management-says-ids"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA KINABALU - The Institute for Development Studies (IDS) in Sabah has emphasized the need for tailored waste management solutions that address local conditions, according to its chairman Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun. Understanding the volume, origin, composition, collection methods, and final fate of waste is crucial in tackling Sabah's waste management challenges. The Kayu Madang landfill in Kota Kinabalu serves several districts and is nearly at capacity, prompting consideration of biogas facilities to harness landfill methane for electricity generation. However, solutions designed for urban areas with high waste volumes may not be suitable for island communities, rural districts, or areas with collection difficulties. Landfills in Sandakan, Pitas, and Semporna have faced varying issues, including inadequate disposal infrastructure and marine pollution. Lahad Datu has contemplated extending collection centers beyond its municipal boundaries. Azizah emphasized the importance of reliable waste collection, waste separation, recycling, and clear institutional responsibilities. Community participation, particularly through existing mechanisms like the Village Development and Security Committee and Unit Pemimpin Masyarakat (UPPM), is vital in waste reduction, separation, recycling, and responsible disposal. Strengthening existing mechanisms rather than adding new layers appears to be the most effective approach. The IDS is currently working on a Policy Framework on Plastic Reduction in Tuaran, highlighting the significance of waste reduction before it enters the waste stream. Community action and local leadership are essential, but community initiatives can only succeed if the broader system adapts accordingly. The IDS and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Malaysia organized this forum as the first step in a broader initiative to identify gaps and build a clearer evidence base for Sabah's waste management system.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s waste management requires solutions tailored to local conditions, said Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS) chairman Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}