PUTRAJAYA: The quantity of clinical waste was reduced by 14.4 per cent to 49,100 tonnes in 2022 compared to 57,400 tonnes in 2021, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the top three states with the largest amount of clinical waste were Selangor 10,600 tonnes, Kuala Lumpur (5,800 tonnes) and Sarawak (4,700 tonnes).
“The decrease in COVID-19 cases and closure of quarantine centres, led to a reduction in the clinical waste as there was less usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 test materials.
“This gives some relief for the management of clinical waste sites after two consecutive years of sharp increases,” he said in a statement today following the release of the Compendium of Environment Statistics, Malaysia 2023.
In 2020, the quantity of clinical waste stood at 39,900 tonnes, while 33,756.99 tonnes was recorded in 2019.
The Compendium of Environment Statistics, Malaysia 2023 presents environmental statistics on six components, environmental conditions and quality; environmental resources and their use; residuals; extreme events and disasters; human settlements and environmental health; as well as environmental protection, management and engagement. - Bernama
