Solid Waste Management growing opportunities in Malaysia The problems of solid waste management are well known.

. Solid wastes constitute a growing problem and has gained increased political awareness over recent years. The amount of solid waste generated in Malaysia is steadily increasing and the government is currently focussing on methods to approach the challenge. Malaysia is therefore a country with an increasing number of possibilities for Danish companies supplying technology and equipment within the area of solid waste management. Due to growing population and increasing consumption, the amount of solid waste generated in Peninsular Malaysia went up from 16,200 tons per day in 2001 to 19,100 tons in 2005, an average of 0.8 kilogram per capita per day. In Kuala Lumpur waste generation is about 3,000 tons a day and forecasts show that this will increase further in coming years. Modern lifestyle has led to more acute waste problems, convenience products generally require more packaging, improvident habits associated with greater affluence lead to greater quantities of waste, as demonstrated by discarded wrappers from the inevitable fast food outlet, and the modern day waste contains a higher proportion of non-degradable materials such as plastics. Approximately 95-97% of waste collected is taken to landfill for disposals. The remaining waste is sent to small incineration plants, diverted to recyclers/re-processors or is dumped illegally. Environmental awareness is building up within the Malaysian government as well as in consumers minds. The government has adopted a National Strategic Plan for Solid Waste Management with emphasis on the upgrading of unsanitary landfills as well as the construction of new sanitary landfills and transfer stations with integrated material recovery facilities. A new Solid Waste Management Bill is expected to be adopted by parliament in March 2007. The bill is expected to drastically change the structure of solid waste management in Malaysia and to open up for the development of a completely new business sector. New concessions on for example domestic waste management will be introduced, recycling is expected to be highlighted, and handling of specific types of solid waste like plastic, paper etc. is likely to be included. A number of Malaysian investors are looking into this area, and many are looking for foreign partners with the necessary expertise. Solid waste management is a priority area under the 9th Malaysian Plan, as can be seen by the intention of the government to set up a Solid Waste Department which will be entrusted to enforce the Solid Waste Management Bill. Denmark and Malaysia have co-operated in the area of environment protection since 1994, and more than 100 projects have been carried out. In the next few years the cooperation will continue within strategic environmental planning, waste handling, handling of harzardous substances, sustainable energy use and projects generating Certified Emission Rights, the so-called CDM-projects. In relation to CDM-projects, Danish companies could potentially be involved as buyers of Certified Emission Rights or/and as supplies for the specific project.