KUALA LUMPUR: The government has identified 18 possible sites for proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) plants that will serve the needs of every state in Peninsula Malaysia, says Nga Kor Ming (pic).

The Housing and Local Government Minister announced that the sites are: Jabi and Padang Cina in Kedah; Bukit Payung, Seelong and Sedili (Johor); Jabor-Jerangau and Belenggu (Pahang); Sungai Udang (Melaka); Rawang (Kuala Lumpur); Jeram, Tanjung Dua Belas and Rawang Dua (Selangor); Pulau Burung (Penang); Lahat, Taiping and Manjung (Perak); Tertak Batu (Terengganu); and Jedok (Kelantan).

“The construction of WTE plants is still at the planning stage and is subject to the government’s financial position as well as the sustainability of the WTE model offered,” Nga told the House in response to a supplementary question by Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin.

“The ministry will continue to find the best model (of WTE) so its implementation is the best for the country.

“We will adopt technology with a proven track record before it is used.”

Nga added that the ministry will continue to raise public awareness on the viability of using WTE plants as opposed to building more landfills to dispose of solid waste.

“One large-scale landfill will require several tens of thousands of acres (of land) and the surrounding area from five to 10km cannot be developed when compared with WTE plants, even though the latter cost more.”

He added that it costs the government around RM20mil to cover up a landfill.

Current WTE technology is not only safe but the experience in other countries also proves that it is effective in reducing the amount of solid waste that would otherwise be sent to landfills, Nga said.

WTE plants operate at a consistently high temperature and are equipped with a treatment system capable of preventing harmful gases from being released to the environment, he added.

“This new technology does not require a large area of land and does not produce leachate, foul smell or methane gas that has a negative impact on public health and the environment.

“The WTE concept is one of the best options for the environment and people’s well-being,” he said.

Replying to a question from Kuantan MP Wan Razali Wan Nor, Nga said the government is conducting comprehensive reviews on countries that have used WTE technology.

“WTE plants started in the 1980s. Singapore has five WTE plants while Vietnam, China and Europe also have them, so they are proven to generate renewable energy.

“Even though Malaysia is running behind, this is a blessing in disguise where we can learn from other countries’ experience.”

On a similar matter, Nga said the ministry aims to raise the nation’s recycling rate to 40% from 33% by 2025.

Among the measures to achieve this are installing 100 drive-through recycling centres at shopping malls across the country.

“The public can bring in newspapers and used cooking oil to the shopping mall and be paid with cash. This is aligned with our trash-to-cash initiative,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/02/18-possible-sites-for-waste-to-energy-plants-identified