• Local News 05
July-August . 2024 | @ green
• Local News 05
Melaka on world recycling map
MELAKA ’ S RM958 million recycling plant will attract eco-conscious investors .
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said Green Pet ( M ) Sdn Bhd ’ s new high-tech recycling business will transform the city into a green investment destination and support the State ’ s economic growth strategy .
Almost 500 employment opportunities will be created when the 14-hectare facility , which has an investment of nearly RM958 million , is expected to be finished by the second quarter of 2025
Additionally , the project will assist in getting the country closer to its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 .
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Rauf said Malaysia ’ s recycling rate for polyethene terephthalate was below worldwide norms , ranging from 28-45 per cent .
The Far Eastern Group of Taiwan is an industry powerhouse in polyester , and FE Green Pet is just one of their many successful subsidiaries .
Coca-Cola , Pepsi , F & N , Nike , Adidas , and Lululemon are just a few of the well-known brands that will benefit from the plant ’ s wasteto-value product transformations in the beverage , garment , and accessory industries .
According to Rauf , the State government will recognise the future challenges and opportunities and promote green investment in Melaka , particularly from those interested in utilising green e nergies from different sources , in
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response to the anticipated increase in demand for environmentally friendly products .
He announced that the Malaysian Investment Development Authority ( MIDA ) and Invest Melaka had made significant strides in streamlining the procedure and creating an enabling environment for sectors to attract green investors and keep Melaka ’ s growth momentum going .
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The chairman of FE Green Pet , Donald Fan , added that the factory ’ s construction shows the company ’ s dedication to environmental preservation and fits well with its development strategy .
“ With the help of cutting-edge technology , this factory will recycle plastic bottles into valuable goods , which will boost the local economy and encourage the circular economy ,” he stated .
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Greening awareness
The Federal Territories Forestry Department , under the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia , hosted the Malaysian Greening Public Awareness program at Kuala Lumpur Eco Park .
THE Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia , through the Federal Territories Forestry Department , recently organised the Malaysian Greening Public Awareness programme atThis event coincided with the Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park Endurance ( KLFEPE ) 2024 run , with the Hijo Running Club assisting in organising the run .
Datuk Zahari Ibrahim , deputy director-general ( policy and planning ), mentioned that the programme aims to garner support for the Malaysia Greening Agenda through public awareness efforts like the 100 million tree planting campaign 2021-2025 .
He noted that the department would conduct tree-planting activities and distribute 50 saplings to participants of the run .
The event saw participation from 77 local and international runners across various categories , including a 6.3km Fun Run and a 6.3km Ultra , both with men ’ s and women ’ s open and veteran divisions .
Zahari emphasised that KLFEPE 2024 supports the goals of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry in promoting a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians .
He encouraged public involvement in greening initiatives and expressed hope for more frequent similar events in the future .
Additionally , KL Eco Park is currently offering opportunities for the public to plant trees to support ongoing greening and conservation efforts .
Illegal waste bust
THE Malaysian government has dismantled a major illegal waste import syndicate , seizing 106 containers filled with e-waste and several others containing scrap metal .
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad reported that the success resulted from coordinated inspection and detention efforts by relevant agencies on 301 containers suspected of carrying e-waste that had arrived in Malaysia .
This operation was based on information received by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department from Mar 21-Jun 19 .
The cases involving e-waste are still under investigation by the Department of Environment under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 , which addresses offences related to the disposal of scheduled waste on land or into Malaysian waters and the transit or permitting the transit of e-waste without the approval of the Director-General of Environment .
Offenders found guilty under this section face up to five years in prison , a fine of up to RM500,000 , or both .
The remaining containers , suspected of containing scrap metal , are under investigation by Customs under Section 135 ( 1a ) of the Customs Act 1967 due to the importation of prohibited goods under Item 5 of the
Fourth Schedule , Customs ( Prohibition of Imports ) Order 2023 .
Importation of scrap metal must follow the procedures outlined by the Ministry of Investment , Trade and Industry ( Miti ), where the importer must obtain a Certificate of Approval ( COA ) from Sirim .
The syndicate used false documentation to import waste for recycling , primarily from the United States . Illegal waste was smuggled through major ports and borders using containers with false declarations .
Middlemen or ‘ front ’ companies ( fake companies ) were frequently used to manage waste imports , making it difficult to detect and capture the real masterminds behind these operations .
Nik Nazmi emphasised Malaysia ’ s commitment to strengthening enforcement through integrated inspection actions and continuously enhancing cooperation with international organisations to curb these syndicate activities .