ArchiveS ArchiveS

STATEMENT BY

MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON

“THE ROLE OF ZERO WASTE AS A

TRANSFORMATIVE SOLUTION IN ACHIEVING THE SDGs”

 

 

Mr. President,

 

At the outset, Malaysia congratulates you for convening this important meeting that allows us the opportunity to hear good practices of zero-waste initiatives as we get back on track to realise the achievement of the SDGs. Malaysia also expresses its appreciation for the insightful speech delivered earlier by the First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Her Excellency Mrs. Emine Erdoğan.

 

2.     My delegation believes that zero waste approach must be promoted to raise awareness concerning the impacts our lifestyles cause on the planet. We should be alarmed that our unsustainable patterns of consumption and production have compounded the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Moreover, societies continue to strive for economic and social progress, without realising that it is followed by environmental degradation that endangers human well-being and the achievement of SDGs.

 

Mr. President,

 

3.     As part of Malaysia’s Development Plan (12^th Malaysia Plan), we are embracing the circular economy model which we believe relates closely to the zero waste approach. On that note, Malaysia remains committed to advancing its implementation whereby local industry players are encouraged to embed the model into their production processes, such as through remanufacturing and redesigning of products to extend their life cycle.

 

4.     Globally, an estimated 2.24 billion tons of waste is generated annually. If current trends continue, 3.88 billion tons of waste will be generated per year by 2050. In addition, approximately 45% of all municipal solid waste is not managed in controlled facilities. In accordance with Malaysia’s Cleanliness Policy 2019, Malaysia’s solid waste management will be strengthened to ensure compliance with existing standards set by the local, state and federal governments. Waste will be managed holistically and sustainably by intensifying the reduce, reuse and recycle (3R) initiative. To support the initiative, domestic facilities for waste separation and recycling will be improved, particularly in residential, institutional and commercial areas.

 

Mr. President,

 

5.     We are fully aware that the zero-waste approach entails responsible production, consumption and disposal of products in a circular system. In this regard, Malaysia stands ready to forge new cooperation and partnerships to enhance and scale up the implementation of sustainable consumption and production.

 

6.     I would also like to express Malaysia’s hope that more discussions on zero-waste initiatives and good practices among Member States and within the UN system could be continued as we remain to play our pivotal role in enhancing the work on sustainable consumption and production.

 

7.     To conclude, Malaysia firmly believes that the zero waste initiatives allow us to have a more sustainable management of natural resources and promote environmentally sound management of waste, while at the same time fortifying our efforts towards attaining all 17 SDGs.

 

I thank you.