Municipal Solid Waste Management in Malaysia: Current Practices, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Over the past decade, generation of municipal solid wastes (MSW) in Malaysia has increased more than 91%. However, MSW management in Malaysia can be considered relatively poor and disorganised. The most preferred of MSW disposal method in Malaysia is through landfilling due to several factors. This method is not sustainable and brings a lot of problems. This paper reviews the characteristics of Malaysian MSW, reports the current practices of MSW management, and provides some suggestions to improve MSW management system in Malaysia.