PUTRAJAYA: A total of 1,410 illegal dumping sites have been closed down by the Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) and concession companies as of Aug 31.
KPKT Minister Nga Kor Ming called for Malaysians to adopt a circular economy to reduce waste, hence preventing more illegal dumping sites from being opened.
"In my 100-day KPI, we have closed a total of 100 illegal dumping sites, and as of National Day, we have closed down 1,410.
"But how many more should we close down? This is why we should adopt the circular economy," he said, adding that recycled items are solid, sustainable, and could even be waterproof.
He added that Malaysia is currently at 33.17 per cent of the waste cycle rate, which is below the international benchmark of 70 per cent.
"Setting up the National Circular Economy Council (NCEC) is a move in the right direction (to move towards the international benchmark).
"To achieve this, of course there will be struggles, but if we don't change, we will suffer, and the ones that would suffer the most are our children. We are only borrowing this land from our children," he said.
Nga announced the establishment of the NCEC earlier today to accelerate the transition of solid waste management from a linear economy to a holistic cyclical economy.