Malaysia faces an escalating solid waste challenge that costs the government approximately RM2 billion annually to manage public cleanliness, according to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. The minister highlighted that in 2024, the nation generated 14.5 million tonnes of waste, with projections estimating this figure could reach around 17 million tonnes by 2035 if current waste management practices remain unchanged.

Nga emphasized the significant financial burden and environmental consequences associated with this increase, noting that the RM2 billion annual cost excludes additional expenses incurred by local councils. He called for greater public responsibility, stressing that maintaining a clean Malaysia requires more than government intervention alone.

Speaking at the launch of the third annual Malaysia Clean-up Day (Hari Cabaran Malaysia, HCM) 2026, held yesterday in Gombak, Nga urged Malaysians to adopt improved attitudes toward waste by incorporating cleanliness, waste separation, and recycling into everyday life.

The nationwide event, conducted simultaneously at 469 locations, expects to draw around 200,000 participants aiming to collect approximately 28 tonnes of recyclable materials within a single day. These targets are also being submitted for recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records.

Since its inception, HCM has shown growing momentum, expanding from 58,007 participants in 2024 to more than 100,000 last year. The campaign reflects increasing public engagement in addressing the country’s solid waste issues, reinforcing the minister’s appeal for collective action to mitigate the mounting environmental and economic impact.