Congress timely as M'sia takes proactive measures to reduce waste
KUALA LUMPUR: The move to host International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress 2018 in Malaysia has been deemed a timely move given that the country is taking proactive measures to reduce nonrecyclable wastes such as plastic, as well as looking into measures for effective waste management.
Hosted for the first time in Malaysia, the three-day congress is jointly organised by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and the Waste Management Association of Malaysia (WMAM) with the support of the Malaysian Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and the Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
Themed Sustainable Consumption towards Waste Minimization, the world's premier event on solid waste management was officiated by Senator Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Ibni Raja Ahmad Baharuddin Shah, who is Deputy Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, in an opening ceremony attended by over 1,500 delegates from across the globe.
In his speech, Raja Kamarul lauded the move to host the event in Malaysia, noting that it was a timely move given that Malaysia is taking proactive measures to reduce non-recyclable wastes such as plastic, as well as looking into measures for effective waste management.
“With a population of over 32 million, Malaysia generates about 38,00 metric tonnes of waste daily. Out of this huge amount, waste separation and recycle rate is only at 24 per cent while the remaining 76 per cent goes to the landfill.
“This rate is considerably low when compared to countries like Singapore and Hong Kong which records a 70 per cent recycling rate,” he added.
From its inception in 1972, the ISWA World Congress has served as a platform for professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for sustainable solid waste management.
Apart from being a first-time host, Malaysia is also the fourth Asian country to host the annual congress – the last being South Korea in 2011.
ISWA president Antonis Mavropoulos said that China's ban on imported plastics and Marine Litter Watch have impacted their relationship with plastics and shifts towards Circular Business Economy models.
“These key topics will be the highlight on ISWA WC 2018 as well as how artificial intelligence (AI) can reshape the waste sector. AI has already put its footprint in waste collection and robotic recycling – through the IoT, AI will create a whole new world for waste prevention, longer product life-cycles and the application of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in global supply chains.”
Meanwhile, WMAM chairman Ho De Leong said that they are truly proud to be able to host such a prestigious event, and to bring it back to Asia where they see growing involvement and commitment to resolve global environmental and waste management issues.
“With many Asian countries taking a firmer stance to reduce non-recyclable waste, we can see opportunities to improve local practice and improve the quality of life, not to mention a platform to network and build partnerships in Asia.”
The ISWA World Congress will be held from October 22 to 24, 2018 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Sponsors for the event include Sulomas Sdn Bhd, SWM Environment Sdn Bhd, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, SSI Schafer SUEZ, Veolia, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation.