PUTRAJAYA: Local Government Development (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming has launched the National Circular Economy Council (NCEC) to manage solid waste today.
Nga said NCEC is a high-impact initiative for the solid waste management sector that uses the whole nation approach to unite all stakeholders and accelerate the transition of solid waste management from a linear economy to a holistic cyclical economy.
The ministry, Nga said, is also in the midst of planning a circular economy blueprint for NCEC to take action.
"NCEC is to focus on matters related to policies, laws, implementation of related strategies and action plans and the commitment and collaboration between the government and the private sectors.
Nga said NCEC woud play a vital role to champion the country's circular economy agenda. Views from private sectors would be the basis for the government to form policies and laws to create a holistic circular economy.
"KPKT is also in the midst of forming a blueprint for circular economy for solid waste which will serve as a main reference for stakeholders," he said adding that NCEC would me the medium to coordinate and monitor the action plans in the blueprint.
Nga was speaking at a press conference held at the ministry earlier today. He said the establishment of NCEC was approved in a Cabinet Meeting on August 23 after consultation with various stakeholders.
He added that through NCEC, Malaysia would be able to balance both socioeconomy growth and being environmentally sustainable, increase job opportunities through new businesses and increase investments in solid waste management.
"A circular economy could stimulate community economic activities through the creation of new business opportunities when the demand and market for recycled goods increases.
"This opportunity will open up more job offers in the value chain of the cyclical economy such as design, rental services (rent), repair services (repair), remanufacturing and recycling activities (recycle)," he said.
He said NCEC would focus on six elements that support the circular economy ecosystem, namely to develop markets and demand for recycled materials; design products that can optimise their life cycle through reuse, recycling and environmental friendliness; promote the segregation of waste at source and improve the collection system of solid waste.
NCEC will also focus on providing appropriate infrastructure facilities and incentives for circular economy; developing an integrated data system; and creating a public, private and community collaboration platform.
"KPKT will continue to commit to working with all stakeholders, especially the private sector, in mobilising efforts and resources in line with the goals of Clean, Green and Resilient Development through a country-wide approach as outlined under the 12th Malaysia Plan," he said.
