LOCAL Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming has encouraged private waste disposal site operators to earn good returns by turning waste into renewable energy.

He said based on data from the Statistics Department and National Solid Waste Management Department, Malaysians generate more than 40,000 tonnes of waste daily, which can be turned into renewable energy and sold.

“This is a national mission – we’re not only discussing and negotiating with state governments but also local authorities and strategic partners in the private sector. We want everyone to be onboard, as it transcends all costs.

“It is our mission to save Mother Earth and at the same time, turn rubbish into gold. For instance, waste-to-energy (WTE) plants can generate about RM25 million annually by selling electricity (generated from waste),” he said.

He said this to reporters after officiating the opening of a 12MW renewable energy plant at Bukit Tagar Enviro Park (BTEP) in Hulu Selangor today.

BTEP, which has been operational since 2005, is located on 266.6ha of government land with an additional 404.6ha of buffer zone, comprising undeveloped land surrounding BTEP.

Nga said the BTEP was designed to dispose of 2,500 tonnes of solid waste per day, and has a lifespan of over 40 years.

“To date, BTEP has managed and disposed of approximately 17 million tonnes of solid waste from Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas.

“BTEP is able to turn methane from solid waste into renewable energy, in which approximately 339 million kWh of electricity are channelled into the national grid, generating up to RM25 million in annual profits,” he said.

Nga said this has made BTEP the largest landfill gas producer in the country.

He said BTEP’s operation was in line with the country’s target of having 40% of its energy being renewable energy by 2035. – Bernama, September 20, 2023.