Shah Alam, 11 September 2025 – Selangor is preparing to table a bold proposal in its 2026 state budget for the development of a third waste-to-energy (WTE) plant, as the state government races to tackle mounting solid waste volumes and escalating costs of landfill dependence.
According to Dato’ Ng Suee Lim, Selangor’s executive councillor for local government and tourism, the proposed facility will complement two WTE projects already under construction in Jeram and Rawang, which together will have the capacity to process up to 5,000 tonnes of waste daily once operational. The plan reflects a growing urgency to invest in high-technology solutions that go beyond traditional landfilling, which Ng warned is no longer sustainable for the state’s future.
Waste Costs Strain Local Budgets
Ng acknowledged that Selangor faces a structural imbalance in funding waste management. KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) currently spends RM7 to RM8 per tonne to provide services valued closer to RM15, making it difficult to invest in modernisation projects such as providing standardised bins for every household.
He revealed that waste management expenses already consume about 30% of local authorities’ budgets, and without intervention, this figure could climb to 60% in coming years, crowding out spending on other essential services. “Of course, WTE plants require higher upfront costs, but they are necessary for sustainable development, environmental protection, and the future of the people,” Ng said in remarks to Media Selangor.
Since 2016, KDEBWM’s daily waste collections have grown from 6,500 tonnes to more than 10,000 tonnes, with projections pointing to 10,800 tonnes by 2027. This relentless upward trajectory underscores the urgency of shifting toward technology-driven solutions like WTE facilities, which not only reduce landfill reliance but also generate renewable energy.
Federal Alignment and Stronger Enforcement
Selangor is also moving to adopt the Federal Government’s Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) to align state policies with national standards. The adoption would open access to larger federal funding allocations, crucial for financing costly WTE infrastructure.
Equally significant, the Act would strengthen enforcement. Current penalties for waste offences are limited, but under Act 672, fines could reach RM100,000, giving authorities greater powers to enforce compliance and reduce illegal dumping or improper waste practices. “Once we adopt Act 672, enforcement will also be stronger,” Ng stressed.
Charting a Sustainable Future
The planned third WTE plant reflects Selangor’s strategic pivot toward a more circular, environmentally responsible economy. By transforming waste into an energy resource, the state aims to reduce landfill usage, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and secure a cleaner urban environment for its fast-growing population.
If approved in the November budget, the project could position Selangor as a model for integrated waste management in Malaysia—one that balances fiscal responsibility, environmental protection, and long-term service delivery.
