Selangor pushes mindset shift on waste responsibility as KDEB stresses shared accountability in tackling rising waste challenges

PETALING JAYA - Waste management in Selangor should be understood as a shared responsibility rather than one that rests solely on the authorities, especially as rapid population growth and rising consumption continue to increase waste generation across the state.

KDEB Waste Management (KDEB) is therefore calling for a fundamental shift in public mindset, stressing that long-term sustainability cannot be achieved if waste management responsibility remains entirely on local authorities.

Its managing director Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir said population growth, economic activity and waste generation are closely linked, emphasising that waste is ultimately produced by individuals and communities themselves.

“Population growth, economic activity and waste generation are closely interconnected, as waste is ultimately produced by people themselves.

“Despite increasing awareness of sustainable development, waste management often remains overlooked even as both population size and waste volumes continue to rise annually.

“Without a holistic approach, this issue could become a long-term financial and environmental burden,” he told Sinar Daily after the Bisnes Sinar Awards (BISA) 2026 at Royale Chulan Hotel Damansara on Wednesday.

KDEB was recognised at the BISA 2026 Awards, receiving the Waste Management Innovation Award.

In Selangor, the challenge is particularly acute due to its rapid population expansion. Ramli said continuous migration into the state for employment and settlement has led to steadily increasing daily waste output, placing additional pressure on collection systems.

KDEB, which has been mandated by the state government to manage waste collection and transportation, is currently serving an estimated population of 7.7 million people.

However, the company continues to face behavioural challenges on the ground, including illegal dumping and indiscriminate littering.

Ramli said such practices include the disposal of cigarette butts, plastic waste, paper and even bulky items such as furniture, all of which contribute to environmental degradation and affect the perception of urban cleanliness.

A key concern highlighted is the persistent public mindset that waste management is solely the responsibility of authorities such as local councils, state agencies or KDEB itself.

“This mentality needs to change, as waste is fundamentally generated by everyone, individual responsibility must form the basis of any sustainable solution.

“Behavioural change begins at the household level, including proper disposal habits, avoiding littering from vehicles and ensuring food and household waste is managed responsibly.

“Public education remains critical in shifting this mindset. Without it, efforts to build a sustainable and developed society would continue to face significant obstacles,” he emphasised.

The challenge also extends to the commercial and industrial sectors, where Ramli said some operators still prioritise cost savings over proper waste disposal practices.

In certain cases, industrial waste has been irresponsibly dumped into rivers or unsuitable areas, posing environmental and regulatory risks.

“This highlights the need for stronger enforcement and greater awareness among entrepreneurs to ensure that production activities do not come at the cost of environmental damage.

“To address these issues, KDEB has been conducting continuous awareness and education programmes involving schools, universities, non-governmental organisations, local authorities, government agencies, community leaders and elected representatives.

“These initiatives are carried out regularly to reinforce responsible waste management practices,” he said.

In contrast, he pointed to developed countries where public discipline plays a central role in waste management systems. In such countries, residents actively sort, recycle and manage waste at source, reducing reliance on frequent collection services.

“In Malaysia, daily waste generation is still often viewed as the responsibility of external parties rather than individuals. For Selangor to move towards a more sustainable future, the perception of waste must change fundamentally, with responsibility shared across all levels of society,” he added.

On Wednesday, KDEB was recognised at the BISA 2026 awards, receiving the Waste Management Innovation Award. The recognition follows its earlier achievement at the inaugural BISA 2023, where it was honoured with the Environmental Sustainability Development Award.

The BISA 2026 platform serves as a national recognition initiative for micro, small and medium enterprises, highlighting contributions across various sectors, including sustainability and public service innovation.