KPKT to expand local technology converting food waste into fertiliser, tackling 8.3 million tonnes of annual waste and boosting the circular economy.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government will expand the use of local technology to convert food waste into agricultural fertiliser.
This initiative aims to strengthen the circular economy and support the national food security agenda.
The decision was agreed upon at the Fourth Solid Waste Circular Economy Council meeting chaired by Minister Nga Kor Ming.
The ministry stated the initiative is necessary given the country’s growing food waste problem.
More than 8.3 million tonnes of food waste are estimated to be discarded annually, equivalent to about 17,000 tonnes per day.
“Over-reliance on landfills not only places a heavy burden on the country’s waste management system, but also has direct adverse effects on the environment and public well-being,” read the ministry’s statement.
The move is expected to serve as a strategic solution to increase the national recycling rate.
It will also support the agricultural sector by providing more affordable alternative fertilisers.
Furthermore, it aims to spur the development of a circular economy driven by local technology.
The initiative will be pioneered by the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia.
“This initiative reflects KPKT’s commitment to building a waste management ecosystem that goes beyond disposal,” the statement added.
It focuses instead on value recovery, the generation of new resources and long-term national sustainability.
