Alam Flora’s Vision For Cleaner Future Anchored On Innovation And Impact

By Nur Elysa Amirah Suhaimi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (Alam Flora), a subsidiary of Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff), is committed to expanding its vision to lead Malaysia’s transformation towards a sustainable circular economy, in line with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Development’s (KPKT) Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste (2025-2035).

Launched in 2024, the blueprint outlines a framework for transitioning to a circular economy based on five strategic pillars: governance and legislation, guidelines and procedures, data collection systems, infrastructure development and promoting waste-based industries. 

The goal is to reduce waste, boost the economy, and minimise environmental impact through stakeholder collaboration and new policies introduced.

Commenting on the company’s commitment, Alam Flora chief executive officer Shariman Yusuf Mohamed Zain said it translated into several key initiatives, including the development of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) through the Fasiliti Inovasi Kitar Semula (FIKS) in Putrajaya.

Apart from that are the Recovery Initiative Sustainable Eco Facility (RISE) in Kuala Lumpur and soon, the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant project in Sungai Udang, Melaka; as well as the expansion of scheduled hazardous waste management projects.

“In supporting this vision, we want to transform from a pure waste management company into a full environmental solutions provider, in support of the goal of zero waste to landfill and strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR),” he told Bernama recently.

Shariman Yusuf said Alam Flora’s initiatives are aligned with KPKT’s Blueprint Ekonomi Kitaran Sisa and support of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13), which aims to modernise public cleansing services through smart technologies, improved efficiency and stronger community engagement.

He said the WtE project alone is expected to process 1,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, generate 22 megawatts of electricity, and reduce over 259,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

To further support the circular economy, he said Alam Flora is pursuing food waste treatment for compost, animal feed and biomethane; used cooking oil recycling; and 3R expansion programmes.

“It has also developed an in-house recycling app, Recyclink, incentives, to encourage public participation in recycling with rewards to be gained from Touch ‘n Go credits and Mesra points.

“Operationally, Alam Flora is embracing mechanisation and smart technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs) and automated cleaning machines. The Glutton Electric Litter Picker covers 30 per cent more ground than manual picking sweepers.

“Trials are underway for solar-powered EV road sweepers, compactors, motorcycles, and tricycles to reduce our carbon footprint and improve crew mobility. Night operations are also being tested with mechanisation to increase productivity to ease traffic and reduce reliance on foreign labour,” he said.

“These modernisation efforts are carried out in collaboration with the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp). These play a leading role in strengthening Alam Flora’s initiatives to enhance public cleansing services and implement smart waste management technologies,” he said.

With over 25 years of experience, he said Alam Flora continues to strengthen its engagement with state governments and is exploring service expansion into non-concession states, while also collaborating with federal and state agencies on sustainable initiatives such as WtE, material recovery and circular economy projects.

Regionally, Shariman Yusuf said Alam Flora is exploring partnerships in Southeast Asia, particularly within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and markets like Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, to position itself as a regional player in environmental services.

“To complement its core business, Alam Flora is entering the Facilities Management (FM) sector through its subsidiary, Genesis Facilities Solutions. This includes servicing government buildings, commercial properties, industrial zones, and data centres with smart FM solutions powered by IoT, AI and drones.

“Energy performance contracts (EPC) and ESG-compliant systems have already been deployed at sites such as Senai Airport and Wisma DRB-Hicom.

“Strategic partnerships are central to Alam Flora’s growth. Collaborations with government-linked companies and private corporations enable expansion into new areas and enhance services in smart waste solutions, recycling innovation and circular economy initiatives,” he said.

He said community engagement remains a priority for Alam Flora.

“Through FIKS Putrajaya and the ‘3R on Wheels’ initiative, Alam Flora helps promote recycling education and outreach. FIKS serves as a one-stop hub with a 3R boutique and buy-back centres, welcoming diverse groups including students, NGOs and officials. These efforts, supported by digital campaigns, aim to foster a culture of sustainability.

"By 2030, Alam Flora aspires to be a fully-integrated environmental solutions provider across Southeast Asia, anchored on innovation, sustainability and strategic partnerships. It is committed to managing 10,000 tonnes of waste daily by 2031 through integrated and sustainable strategies,” he also said.

These initiatives, he added, coincide with Malakoff’s 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of sustainability. They reflect Malakoff’s purpose of 'Enhancing Life, Enriching Communities', which continues to guide its environmental and social efforts nationwide.

-- BERNAMA