Recycling Facilities Mandatory At Shopping Malls From Jan 1, 2026 – Nga

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The National Council for Local Government has decided that all shopping malls must provide recycling facilities effective Jan 1, 2026, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

He said this requirement will be part of the business licensing conditions imposed by local authorities on premises owners, in line with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s effort to phase out single-use plastic bags.

According to him, the move is also part of the ministry’s proactive efforts in managing plastic waste in the country.

“Any shopping mall that does not provide (recycling facilities) will not be granted a business licence by the local authority,” he said when winding up the debate on the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The Bill was later passed by a voice vote after being debated by 10 Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition blocs.

Nga said the Bill followed the passage of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025 yesterday, which, among other things, aim to empower the courts to issue community service orders for littering offences in public places.

Through the enforcement of such orders, he said, the ministry is confident that littering, which clogs and pollutes drains and waterways, can be addressed progressively, thereby helping to reduce flash floods, especially in urban areas.

Nga also stated that the community service order would apply to everyone, regardless of status, and even foreign tourists found guilty of littering in public could be subjected to the same.

“Imagine whether it's a Datuk Seri or a Tan Sri — if they are ordered to sweep the streets (under a community service order), it would raise awareness about maintaining public cleanliness,” he said.

In addition, he said pet owners are also subject to the same regulations if they are found to have deliberately left pet waste in public areas, as it is considered litter.

“I stress that under the MADANI government’s administration, everyone is treated fairly, and I emphasise that the objective of the community service order is not to punish but to raise public awareness and foster a sense of responsibility in keeping public spaces clean,” he added.

-- BERNAMA