06/10/2025

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COMMENT by Ravindran Raman Kutty

Sustainable waste management M ALAYSIA has made commendable strides towards enhancing waste management and promoting recycling. Learning from global leaders Several countries have successfully implemented recycling labels, achieving impressive recycling rates. Malaysia can adopt best practices from these global examples:

By learning from global examples and implementing clear recycling labels, Malaysia can overcome waste management challenges and move towards a sustainable future. – SUNPIC

However, despite these efforts, the country’s recycling rate hovers around a modest 31% (as of 2024), underscoring significant challenges in achieving sustainable waste management. One critical issue is the absence of clear recycling information on product packaging, which impedes consumer participation in recycling and exacerbates environmental pollution. To bridge this gap, the Housing and Local Government Ministry must enforce mandatory recycling labels, drawing insights from global leaders in waste management. Role of recycling labels Recycling labels play an indispensable role in waste management by educating consumers and streamlining recycling processes. When packaging clearly indicates its recyclability and provides disposal instructions, it: 0 Increases consumer awareness : Many consumers are unsure how to properly dispose of various materials. Recycling labels will empower them with the necessary knowledge to engage actively in waste segregation. Labels on plastic bottles indicating they are made from recyclable PET can guide consumers to dispose of them in designated bins, enhancing recycling rates. 0 Reduces contamination : The mixing of non-recyclable materials with recyclables often leads to the rejection of entire batches of recycling. Clear labels can help minimise contamination, making recycling efforts more efficient. Malaysians often dispose of nasi lemak wrappers, tissues and used coffee cups contaminated with food waste in recycling bins. Proper labelling can prevent such mishaps. 0 Encourages responsible habit : Recycling logos and instructions serve as constant reminders, prompting individuals to adopt environmentally friendly habits. Consistent visibility of recycling symbols on daily-use items will reinforce the habit of proper waste disposal.

0 Germany : The “Green Dot” system signifies that manufacturers contribute to a recycling programme, helping Germany achieve a recycling rate of around 66%. 0 Japan : Mandatory recycling symbols on packaging, such as distinct logos on PET bottles, support Japan’s meticulous waste segregation system. 0 The United Kingdom : The “on pack recycling label” system uses straightforward terms like “widely recycled” or “not yet recycled”, simplifying the recycling process for consumers. 0 South Korea : Detailed recycling instructions on packaging, coupled with financial incentives for eco friendly materials, have propelled South Korea to a recycling rate of approximately 59%. Why it matters Malaysia generates substantial waste annually, with over 80% ending up in landfills, many of which are nearing capacity and posing environmental risks. Recycling labels can address several critical challenges: 0 Reduce landfill dependency : Proper labelling will divert more recyclable materials from landfills, conserving space and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 0 Support circular economy : Recycling transforms waste into valuable resources, reducing reliance on virgin materials and fostering sustainability. 0 Align with global goals : Clear recycling practices can help Malaysia achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. 0 Encourage behavioural change : Recycling logos subtly educate users and foster a culture of sustainability by prompting responsible waste disposal. 0 Clear guidelines : Detailed visual diagrammes listing recyclables and non-recyclables should become mandatory on all packaging, complemented by labelled waste bins. To address the growing complexity of student needs, professional school social workers are necessary. Schools are often the first institutions to identify cases of abuse or neglect. For example, a child who comes to class with repeated bruises or signs of malnourishment requires immediate protection. Teachers and counsellors may be aware of the issue but lack the training to intervene. A social worker, however, can act as a child protection officer, reporting cases in line with the Child Act 2001 (Act 611) and ensuring referral to the related agency for follow-up action. Socioeconomic hardship is also one of the main barriers to education.

Multipronged approach To implement packaging labelling effectively, Malaysia must adopt a multifaceted strategy: 0 Mandatory labelling legislation : The government should mandate recycling information on all packaging, specifying material types (for example, PET or HDPE) and providing disposal instructions. 0 Public awareness campaigns : Education is pivotal to recycling initiatives. Campaigns should teach consumers how to interpret labels, emphasise environmental benefits and utilise diverse media platforms for outreach. 0 Incentivising manufacturers : Offering tax benefits or subsidies to companies that comply with labelling requirements can accelerate adoption while penalties for non compliance will ensure adherence. 0 Enhancing recycling process : Upgrading material recovery facilities and expanding the availability of colour-coded bins nationwide can simplify waste segregation and processing. 0 Collaborating with global experts : Malaysia can gain valuable insights by partnering countries with successful recycling systems, adapting best practices to local contexts. Students from low-income families often struggle with transport, uniforms and food security, leading to absenteeism or dropout. Social workers can play a critical role in linking these families to assistance under welfare schemes, zakat institutions and NGO support, thereby reducing inequality and promoting equal access to education, in line with the goals of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025. Mental health challenges are another pressing concern. Rising cases of depression, bullying and self-harm among students highlight the urgent need for expanded support. While counsellors can provide guidance, social workers can go further by

Addressing challenges Implementing labels comes with challenges that require proactive solutions: 0 Resistance from manufacturers : Some manufacturers may view labelling requirements as a financial burden. A phased implementation and financial incentives, such as tax breaks, can facilitate compliance. 0 Public apathy : A segment of the population may lack interest in recycling. Education campaigns highlighting long-term benefits can inspire behavioural change. 0 Inadequate enforcement : Weak enforcement of waste management regulations can hinder compliance. Strengthening enforcement through regular audits and penalties will ensure adherence. Benefits of early implementation The advantages of adopting recycling labels far outweigh the challenges. Early implementation will: 0 Boost recycling rates : Clear labelling will simplify recycling for consumers, gradually increasing Malaysia’s recycling rate. 0 Protect the environment : Effective waste management will reduce pollution and conserve natural resources. 0 Create economic opportunities : recycling offering case management, crisis intervention and referrals to community mental health services, such as those under the Health’s Ministry’s mental health programme. This aligns with the National Mental Health Policy 1997, which emphasises inter-agency cooperation. Problems such as truancy, bullying and substance abuse are often symptoms of deeper family or social issues. For instance, a child who repeatedly skips class may be experiencing parental conflict or neglect. Social workers are trained to conduct home visits, counselling and mediation, addressing the root causes of behavioural challenges. This approach complements the Safe

The recycling industry can generate jobs and drive innovation. 0 Enhance Malaysia’s global image : As sustainability gains global prominence, recycling labels will position Malaysia as an eco conscious nation. Labelling products and food with clear recycling instructions can drastically reduce landfill waste. This practice supports Waste-to Energy (WTE) initiatives as fewer materials in landfills mean more recyclable items are diverted, easing landfill strain. WTE facilities can then focus on converting non-recyclable waste into energy, improving efficiency and contributing to a sustainable waste management system. By learning from global examples and implementing clear recycling labels, Malaysia can overcome waste management challenges and move towards a sustainable future. Policymakers, manufacturers and citizens must collaborate to make recycling an integral part of daily life. Through collective efforts, Malaysia can achieve its recycling goals, protect the environment and secure a better future for generations to come. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com encourages holistic intervention. For Malaysia to benefit, the government must formally create school social worker positions under the Education Ministry, starting with schools in urban poor and rural areas. The challenges faced by students today cannot be solved through academics alone. Poverty, abuse and mental health struggles demand professional intervention. Embedding social workers in schools gives every child the chance to learn, grow and be protected. These are not luxuries but necessities. Thanaselan Punichelvana Kuala Lumpur School Policy (2002), which

Embedding social workers in schools a necessity, not luxury

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

EDUCATION is not only about academic achievement but also about nurturing the holistic development of children. Schools shape the future of young people, yet many students face challenges that extend beyond the classroom, such as poverty, abuse, neglect, truancy and mental health difficulties, hindering children’s ability to learn and thrive. While school counsellors provide essential guidance and support, their scope is limited to counselling and academic advice.