1,000 malls nationwide to get recycling facilities by 2028

1,000 shopping malls to have recycling facilities 

PUTRAJAYA: More than 1,000 shopping malls nationwide will be equipped with recycling facilities as part of the government’s effort to strengthen solid waste management and accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards a circular economy.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the Cabinet’s decision on June 5 to implement recycling facilities at shopping malls reflected the MADANI government’s commitment towards more progressive, sustainable and high-impact waste management reforms.

“The government does not see waste merely as a burden, but as a resource with economic value.

“Making recycling facilities at shopping malls a licensing requirement will make recycling more convenient for the public while strengthening the nation’s sustainable development agenda,” he said in a statement today.

Nga said the ministry aimed to make recycling “as easy as shopping”, with mall operators and consumers able to separate and dispose of recyclable materials more conveniently.

He added that the initiative would not only help reduce waste sent to landfills, but also support the development of the circular economy and encourage recycling practices among the public.

The initiative will be implemented in four phases beginning this month.

The first phase, starting in June 2026, will focus on government approvals, guideline preparations, engagement sessions and public awareness programmes, while encouraging voluntary participation from mall operators without penalties.

The second phase, from January to June 2027, will involve pilot projects in selected local authorities and amendments to by-laws to test implementation mechanisms, infrastructure requirements and consumer readiness.

From July to December 2027, the third phase will see targeted mandatory enforcement involving new licence applications and selected existing shopping malls.

Full enforcement nationwide is expected to begin in January 2028, involving both new and existing shopping malls.

Nga said the proposal would also be tabled at the National Council for Local Government to ensure coordination between state governments and local authorities.

He added that the initiative would support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), strengthen urban solid waste management, improve urban sustainability performance under MURNInets and create economic opportunities through recycling and “trash-to-cash” programmes.

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