Malaysia's Air: Strategies For Pollution Reduction

Malaysia is a newly industrialising country that is developing quickly and, as a result, has to deal with increasing air pollution. The majority of air pollution in Malaysia comes from motor vehicles, with the number of newly registered motor vehicles from 2004 to 2017 reaching 286,771,902 units. The country's rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have also contributed to poor air quality, especially in cities. To reduce air pollution in Malaysia, the government needs to implement comprehensive initiatives, such as improving fuel quality and promoting the use of electric vehicles.

Reduce vehicle emissions

Vehicle emissions are a major cause of air pollution in Malaysia. To reduce vehicle emissions, Malaysia could implement the following measures:

Public transport

• Rail transportation: Rail is an efficient mode of transport, using a small amount of energy to transport many people and goods. The government could invest in expanding and improving rail networks, making them a more attractive option for commuters.
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): In cities where rail networks are not financially viable, Bus Rapid Transit systems can offer similar services to light rapid transit. They are a cheaper option that still reduces road congestion and emissions.
• Electric/biodiesel buses: The government could also support the use of electric or biodiesel buses as a clean and renewable alternative to diesel.

Private transport

• Reduce private car usage: Private cars take up a lot of road space and contribute to congestion and pollution. The government could encourage people to use private cars less by investing in and promoting active travel (e.g. walking and cycling) and car-sharing initiatives.
• Improve fuel quality: Improving fuel quality is one way to meet modern exhaust emission standards for new vehicles and reduce emissions from old vehicles.
• Incentivise electric vehicles: The number of cars on Malaysia's roads is only increasing, and the uptake of electric vehicles is not currently significant enough to counter rising emissions. The government could incentivise the use of electric vehicles by offering tax credits to those who use them.

Improve waste management

Malaysia's waste management issues are a significant contributor to the country's air pollution problem. The country's waste output exceeds its recycling rate, with over 30,000 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) being disposed of daily, equating to 1.17kg of waste per person. Food waste is the most significant component of MSW, followed by plastic, paper, mixed organic materials, and wood.

Malaysia's current recycling rate is only around 31%, which is lower than that of its neighbouring countries, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand. To address this issue, the Malaysian government has set a target recycling rate of 40% by 2025.

To achieve this goal, Malaysia is focusing on transitioning from a linear economy to a circular economy model, which involves implementing a zero-waste-to-landfill strategy to reduce dependence on landfills and developing downstream industries to process solid waste.

Promote recycling and waste reduction:

• The government should continue to promote and educate the public about recycling and waste reduction practices. This can include public awareness campaigns, incentives for recycling, and penalties for non-compliance.
• Encourage the use of biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as biodegradable plastics derived from sugarcane, starch, or polylactic acid (PLA). However, ensure that these alternatives are truly compostable and will not contribute to microplastic pollution.
• Standardise plastic production by industry to ensure that all plastics are of the same colour or are produced from similar monomers, making the plastic recycling process more efficient.

Improve waste collection and separation:

• Implement stricter waste separation at the source by learning from other countries' successful policies, such as those in Japan, Taiwan, and Germany. Provide clear guidelines and signage for residents on proper waste separation and recycling methods.
• Offer incentives, such as vouchers, for those who comply with waste recycling rules.
• Integrate housing developers and management committees into the waste governance structure to improve communication and compliance.

Develop downstream industries for waste processing:

• Support the development of downstream industries that can process solid waste, such as recycling plants and waste-to-energy facilities.
• Encourage collaboration between different sectors, including waste collection, sorting, recycling, manufacturing, and post-consumer industries, to establish a closed-loop supply chain for waste management.

Reduce waste imports and improve waste import management:

• Regulate and closely monitor the import of plastic waste to ensure that Malaysia's waste management system can handle the volume of waste without causing environmental and health risks.
• Implement and enforce policies to address illegal plastic waste imports, such as the Basel Convention, which aims to reduce the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes.

Invest in waste management infrastructure:

• Invest in the development of additional landfill sites to address the current lack of space, which is expected to be fully utilised by 2050 if no action is taken.
• Improve waste management infrastructure, particularly for clinical and pharmaceutical waste, which is a rapidly growing sector in Malaysia.

Reduce domestic pollution

Malaysia's rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have led to an increase in air pollution, which poses a significant risk to the health of its citizens. To reduce domestic pollution, Malaysians can take the following measures:

• Conserve energy at home and work by using energy-efficient appliances and reducing electricity consumption.
• Use environmentally friendly products, such as paints and cleaning supplies, to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants.
• Improve fuel quality by adopting cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, and implementing stricter vehicle emission standards to reduce emissions from old vehicles.
• Encourage the use of public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking to reduce vehicle emissions and congestion.
• Implement proper waste management practices, such as composting leaves and yard waste, to reduce open burning and improve air quality.
• Support sustainable agricultural practices and oppose forest destruction to reduce haze pollution and protect natural resources.
• Promote environmental education and awareness to empower citizens to make informed choices and take individual action to reduce pollution.
• Strengthen environmental laws and regulations, such as the Environmental Quality Act, and enforce stricter rules on emissions to hold polluters accountable and deter environmental crimes.
• Collaborate with regional partners to address transboundary haze and develop sustainable solutions, such as the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities.

Improve air quality in urban areas

Malaysia's rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have led to an increase in air pollution, which poses significant health risks to its citizens. To improve air quality in urban areas, several measures can be implemented:

• Reduce vehicle emissions: Motor vehicles are a major contributor to air pollution in Malaysian cities, particularly in Kuala Lumpur. To tackle this, the government can encourage the use of public transportation, carpooling, and active travel options like walking and biking. Additionally, incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles can be introduced, along with stricter emission standards and regular vehicle maintenance checks.
• Improve fuel quality: Upgrading fuel quality can significantly reduce emissions from both new and old vehicles. Implementing regulations, such as the fuel quality regulation adopted in 2005, can help lower pollution emissions from vehicles.
• Develop environmentally sensitive urban transport: Workshops and campaigns can be organised to promote environmentally friendly urban transport options. This includes raising awareness about the benefits of natural gas as an alternative to petrol and diesel fuel.
• Implement comprehensive environmental policies: Malaysia's Department of Environment needs to establish and enforce modern, comprehensive environmental policies to control air pollution. This includes setting exhaust emission ceilings for vehicles and industries, as well as improving the quality of data on the causes and consequences of air pollution to guide effective decision-making.
• Encourage individual action: While policy changes are crucial, individual efforts can also make a difference. Educating the public about the impacts of air pollution on health and promoting behavioural changes can help reduce air pollution. For example, people can be encouraged to carpool or use public transportation, especially on days when high ozone or particle levels are expected.

Reduce industrial pollution

Malaysia's rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have led to a corresponding increase in air pollution, which poses a significant threat to the environment and public health. To reduce industrial pollution in the country, several measures can be implemented:

Adopt Cleaner Industrial Technologies

Encourage industries to adopt cleaner production methods and technologies that reduce emissions of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. This can be achieved through incentives, subsidies, or regulations that promote the use of best available technologies and emission control systems.

Improve Fuel Quality

Implement policies to improve the quality of fuel used in industrial processes and transportation. For example, the country could promote the use of natural gas as an alternative to petrol and diesel, as it is considered a cleaner fuel option. This would help reduce emissions from both old and new vehicles.

Strengthen Emission Standards

Implement and enforce stricter emission standards for industrial facilities. This includes setting limits on the release of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. Regular monitoring and enforcement of these standards are essential to ensure compliance.

Promote Sustainable Practices

Encourage industries to adopt sustainable practices, such as waste minimisation, recycling, and the use of renewable energy sources. Provide incentives for industries that reduce their environmental impact, such as tax breaks or public recognition for their efforts.

Enhance Waste Management

Improve waste management practices to reduce industrial pollution. This includes proper disposal and treatment of hazardous waste, as well as promoting recycling and reuse of materials wherever possible. Proper waste management can help reduce pollution from industrial activities and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Regional Cooperation

Work collaboratively with neighbouring countries, especially Indonesia, to address the issue of transboundary haze caused by agricultural burning and forest fires. Regional agreements and initiatives, such as the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, are essential to tackle this complex regional challenge effectively.

By implementing these measures, Malaysia can make significant progress in reducing industrial pollution and improving the country's air quality, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens.

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