MATEC Web of Conferences 66, 00051 (2016) DOI: 10.

1051/ matecconf/20166600051
IBCC 2016

Disaster Waste Management in Malaysia: Significant Issues, Policies &

Strategies

Nor Syazwani Yusof1, a, E.M.A Zawawi2, and Zulhabri Ismail3

2
Centre of Studies Construction Management, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, 40450 UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
1& 3
Centre of Postgraduate Studies of Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, 40450 UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract. Disaster Waste Management in Malaysia is still at the early stage of its research. Disaster can create large
volumes of debris and waste and mismanagement of disaster waste can affect both the response and long term
recovery of disaster affected area. The government of Malaysia is taking serious about this issue. This paper is aim to
explore the issues, policies and strategies regarding disaster waste management in Malaysia. The objectives were to
investigate the extent of disaster waste effects on the environment and to provide a basis from which the needs of
waste management could be evaluated in disaster management guidelines. Qualitative method of data collection has
been adopted in this study. The respondent are among the local authority and organization that involved in managing
wastes. The finding shows that many of the policies regarding waste management in Malaysia has not been well
implemented. The purpose of this paper is expected to improve the method of managing disaster waste in Malaysia.

1 Introduction research output is expected to add to the existing body of

knowledge on theoretical mechanisms for reducing
Human activity including construction works is causing adverse environmental impacts by way of policies and
climate change, which is becoming a major contributor to legal instruments, since there is still insufficient research
the increasing occurrence of natural disasters worldwide. in this area. The latest practices and strategies in disaster
Natural disasters happen every year and their impacts and waste management will be prioritized in order to illustrate
frequency seem to have greatly increased in recent the magnitude of the existing problems encountered. A
decades. For example, excessive rainfall in Malaysia has qualitative research design by way of case study,
led to severe flooding in many parts of the country, supported by quantitative research, will be adopted. The
particularly in agricultural areas largely as a result of purpose of this paper is to explore the issues, policies and
deforestation and changes in agricultural practices. In effects on our environment, social and economy in
order to improve the design strategy comprehensive flood managing disaster in Malaysia.
warning systems, some research based on current risk
management, flood mitigation and early warning systems
has been implemented internationally. Every year, from 1.1 Weaknesses of disaster waste management
day to day the volume of waste constantly increase and it in Malaysia
is equivalent to waste production which were increased
due to attitude of human. These degrees of waste A disaster waste management plan is essential to help a
management can affect long-term recovery in the affected community identify options for collecting, recycling, and
areas. The economic effectiveness of a solid waste disposing of waste. Recycling and reusing disaster waste
management system depends on life cycle costs for can replace natural raw materials and reduce the burden
facilities and equipment and long-term effects of on the environment by reducing landfill. The aim is to
economic services provided [1]. Unfortunately, the develop an approach that looks at waste management
practice of disaster waste management is often neglected policies as a way of identifying the possibilities and
or uncontrolled. This paper aimed to explore the issues, actions in order to manage waste wisely in the disaster
policies and strategies regarding disaster waste management context. In Malaysia, the Inland Major
management practices to produce disaster management Disaster Management Mechanism, under the National
guidelines for Malaysia. Therefore, the main objectives Security Council (NSC) of the Prime Minister’s
of this paper were to investigate the extent of disaster Department, was formed in May 1994 to coordinate all
waste effects on the environment and to provide a basis existing agencies in conducting relief activities during
from which the needs of waste management could be any major disaster on land. On 11 May 1997, the policy
evaluated in disaster management guidelines. The statement for disaster relief operations, entitled the
a
Corresponding author: emmamarinie@salam.uitm.edu.my

© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
MATEC Web of Conferences 66, 00051 (2016) DOI: 10.1051/ matecconf/20166600051
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National Security Council Directive 20 [2], was 2.1 Research questions

introduced. The main purpose of Directive 20 is to put in
place a comprehensive emergency management In order to gauge the success of the research endeavour,
programme which seeks to mitigate the effects of various the following research questions have been formulated:
hazards, to prepare for measures which will preserve life
and minimize damage to the environment, to respond 2.1.1 Research Questions for Objective 1
during emergencies and provide assistance, and to
RQ 1.1: What are the main causes of disaster waste?
establish a recovery system to ensure the affected
community’s return to normalcy. The Mechanism RQ 1.2: What is the extent of disaster waste effect on the
coordinates and handles necessary actions to be taken in environment?
any major disasters by the existing rescue agencies, as
well as the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and 2.1.2 Research Questions for Objectives 2 and 3
Rescue Team (SMART), so as to ensure that all actions
can be immediately, efficiently and effectively carried out RQ 2.1: What issues and challenges are encountered
[3]. With natural disasters becoming more common, during managing disaster waste?
national waste management plans should be prepared to
RQ 2.2: What are the weaknesses of the current policies
cope with this situation. Thus, the primary questions
pertaining to waste management?
needing to be addressed are whether the current disaster
management policies in Malaysia can effectively manage RQ 2.3: What could be formulated to improve disaster
the disaster waste caused by flood in long-terms or short- management guidelines pertaining to waste
terms planning. management?
On the threat of disaster waste to life and health
could be overcome with an effective approach, which at
the same time can recover and redevelop the damage 2.2 Previous studies related of research
facilities [4]. Unfortunately, current disaster waste
management practice often involves either no action, in The studies shown in Table 1 that illustrate typical
which the waste is left to accumulate and decompose, or disaster waste management and its impact on the
inappropriate action, in which the waste is removed and environment. Several studies showed the improvement of
dumped in an uncontrolled manner [5].Hence, this waste management and achieving a green environment
research aims to identify the gap in terms of existing are worldwide concerns.
policies and practices pertaining to disaster waste
management. According to [6] implementation at the
local level becomes one of the core factors in successful 3 Research methodology
disaster waste management. A resilient disaster Well planned research methodology is a guide to
management system depends on the involvement and achieving the aim and objectives of research. Mixed
cooperation of all parties including the private sector, methods of qualitative and quantitative research have
NGOs and the public. Cooperation between all agencies been adopted in this study. A comprehensive literature
in carrying out their responsibilities is very important in review was conducted to gather information. Interview
determining the success and effectiveness of disaster was conducted in October and November 2015. The
management [7]. Thus, it is a necessary to consider waste responded were from local authorities and private sectors
management in disaster management guidelines Malaysia involved in managing disaster waste.
to curb this problem, otherwise the sustainability and
environmental problems will not be addressed Table 2: Respondent’s detail
effectively. The current body of literature is also explored
to identify the guidelines already formulated by the Respondents Description/Position Number of
developed countries, from which we can learn, adopt and Respondent
modify from more successful regimes.
Department of Environmental Officer 1
Environment
2 Research Aim, Objectives and Department of Director of Technical
Research Questions National Solid Department of National
Waste Solid Waste 1
The aim of this paper is to explore the issues, policies and Management
strategies regarding disaster waste management in
Malaysia. In order to achieve this aim, two (2) objectives Alam Flora Sdn. Environmental
are outlined: Bhd. Officer/Supervisor
Landfill 2
1. To investigate the extent of disaster waste effects on
the environment; (OBJ 1)
2. To provide a basis from which the needs of waste
management could be evaluated in disaster Table 2 shows the respondent detail that involved in
management guidelines; (OBJ 2) this research. The qualitative research design had been
divided into three stages: qualitative instruments

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(interview and case study protocol and pilot exercise), disaster previous to the case study.
semi-structured interview questions and the effects of
Table 1. Previous studies on typical disaster waste management or issues and their impacts on the environment
Year Authors Title of Research Instruments Remarks

2008 [8] Estimation of waste ‰ Case study ‰ The research focuses on the
generation from floods flooded area and discusses the
parameters affecting floods waste
for the model development.
2010 [9] Waste management ‰ Semi- ‰ This research focuses on the post-
strategies during post structured disaster waste management
disaster phase: A Case of interview strategies adopted and on the
Sri Lanka issues and challenges encountered
at both national and local levels in
Sri Lanka during the post - Indian
Ocean tsunami period.
2011 [10] Environmental implications ‰ Case study ‰ The research focuses on the
for disaster preparedness: lessons learnt from the
Lessons Learnt from the environmental aspects of the
Indian Ocean Tsunami tsunami, strategies and its
implications for disaster
preparedness plans after disaster:
Indian Ocean Tsunami.
2011 [11] Disaster waste ‰ Case study ‰ This research focuses on
management: ‰ Semi- developing a systems
A systems approach structure understanding of disaster of waste
d management and in turn develops
interview context and disaster-transferrable
decision-making guidance for
emergency and waste managers.
2012 [12] Disaster waste management ‰ Survey ‰ Discusses waste management
challenges (questionn systems and challenges.
aire)
‰ Semi-
structured
interview
‰ Case study
2013 [13] Strategy for separation and ‰ Case study ‰ This research focuses on existing
treatment of disaster waste: guidelines in waste management
A manual for earthquake in several of countries due to
and tsunami disaster waste disaster.
management in Japan
2014 [14] Hazard and risk perception ‰ Semi- ‰ Concerns the socio-economic
at Turrialba volcano (Costa structured dimensions of hazards and how
Rica); interview these factors can be integrated
Implications for disaster ‰ Case study into disaster risk reduction at
risk management Turrialba volcano (Costa Rica)
2014 [15] Location and routing ‰ Case study ‰ This research concerns the debris
problems of debris collection operation hindered by
collection operation limited access,
after disasters with realistic Like blocked access by debris.
case study

The interview and case study protocol and qualitative target group will be identified before the actual data
instrument will be prepared to ensure reliability and collection takes place. Due to the nature of qualitative
validity of the qualitative data then piloted with a targeted research, the data will be collected until saturation point
group prior to the actual data collection process;, the is achieved. Based on the case study, observation,
purpose of this exercise is to maintain internal validity of parameters will be established to observe the current
the data and reliability of the instrument. Semi-structured status of disaster waste management in Malaysia. The
interview questions will be selected to be put to research will be focused on selected major post-disaster
professionals involved in disaster waste management. events such as floods in East Malaysia (Kuala Krai,
The selected samples of interviewee should consist of Kelantan; Temerloh, Pahang). For each case study,
policy makers from government related agencies relevant qualitative data will be gathered from post-disaster
to disaster waste management. The sampling frame of the literature (government reports, documents and legislation;

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MATEC Web of Conferences 66, 00051 (2016) DOI: 10.1051/ matecconf/20166600051
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practitioner, reports etc.).The third method of data promoting the use of products made from recycled
collection wills, draft proposed waste management materials and fuel made from disaster waste.
principles for adaption into disaster management
guidelines. The last method is to ensure validity of the
“ ...in our list of planning now, we’re planning to
findings and the proposed guidelines. Data from the
promote recycling materials by the next
literature review, semi-structured interviews and
generation; meaning more focus on children
document analysis will be juxtaposed and contextualised.
(primary and secondary school) and of course it is
This research is expected to emphasize the importance of
cheaper than branded things ” (Respondent 4)
the implementation of efficient disaster waste
management in order to sustain ecological systems and
enhance the social well-being of all Malaysian citizens 4.2 Improve the education and awareness of
and future generations. From the fundamental theoretical producers, the public and people involved
aspects, this research will proposed the adoption of in the disaster waste system/sector
disaster waste management into disaster management
guidelines. It is expected to encourage further research People affected by major disasters are badly traumatized,
and detailed investigation on disaster waste management but giving them a task to do helps them to recover. The
and sustainable development. Future collaboration with Environment Agency leads the way in cooperation
relevant government will be appreciated. This paper only between all the parties participating in education within
presents data from the interview sessions with the the waste sector such as private sector contractors and
selected respondents. sub-contractors:; Alam Flora Sdn. Bhd, Southern Waste
Management Sdn Bhd, E-Idaman Sdn Bhd, ın managing
the waste in our country, as stated by Respondent 2.
4 Results and discussion Strategies that can be considered include:
i. Promoting the advantages of recycling of waste
The researcher found that the authorities should play their
and practicing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse,
role towards sustainable waste management after
Recycle) programmes and make one day only
disasters such as floods. Four (4) respondents were
for collecting the waste.
selected, from the Department of Environment (DOE) in
Putrajaya, Department of National Solid Waste in the ii. Informing people of the waste management
Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local hierarchy: reduce,reuse,recycle,recovery and
Government and from the private sector; Alam Flora Sdn. dispose.
Bhd. The interview sessions were conducted in October iii. Promoting the use of less hazardous
2015.The working experience of the selected respondents alternatives such as chemicals during the
was 5 years and above in the waste management industry. production of goods
Climatic changes have made garbage disposal dumps the iv. Encouraging companies and institution to set
only method for efficient garbage disposal in Malaysia. up a certified environmental managements
To achieve sustainable and effective waste management, systems and follow a national environmental
development strategies must go beyond purely technical policy.
considerations to formulate specific objectives and
v. Appointing a ‘specialist officer of disaster
implement appropriate measures with regard to political,
waste management’ exclusively for Malaysia.
environmental, social, financial, economic and technical
aspects of disaster waste management. In addition, four “ ...even though we had to do a lot of campaigns,
(4) strategies for achieving good disaster waste promote everything, everywhere,publish the article,
management were identified: a lot of brochures about how to manage the waste,
and used 3R system (Reduce,Reuse, and Recycle),
our people nevertheless pretend to know nothing
4.1 Proper arrangement of the material by about waste,it is seen to be less efficient or still
recycling, recovery and disposal method lacking awareness and all this makes us more
Disasters such as floods can produce a large quantity of worried about our future generation. In this case,
waste, which will endanger people, block access roads, we should add some more strategies such as
block drainage channels, and conceal trapped people after campaigns in the schools, colleges or other
the disaster. Respondent 4 also recommended promoting institutions.” (Respondent 2)
the use of plastic recycling identification codes and labels
in order to sort and recycle plastic packaging more easily, 4.3 Control and decrease waste generation
for both municipalities and the private sector.Although
i. Promote the production of goods to minimize waste
this helps to separate the different types of waste to be
generation after disaster or as used by people.
recycled, reused or disposed of sorting the waste after a
ii. The Environment Agensy should set up a portal or
disaster, must consider the evironmental, political,
web site to inform the public about the ways of to
institutional, social, financial, economic and technical
re-use and control the waste and prevent waste
aspects. If possible, sort the rubble as it is being removed,
generation in households or after disasters.
and store reusable materials separately from the rest of
the waste. Another way to manage the waste is by

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iii. The roles and resposibilities of those involved in waste management, not just focusing on daily
disaster waste management system should be operation only ” (Respondent 1)
known such as the Environmental Department,
Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management This study identified several authorities and law
Corporation (Act 672), local authorities and under their jurisdiction in handling solid waste areas as
contractors/sub-contractorts and agents. They shown in Table 2:
should know their purpose and main duties and
responsibilities when disaster occurs. According to Table 3. Authorities involve in Disaster Waste Management
the Respondent 3, the roles and responsibilities of
all the parties involved in a disaster area are very Authorities Laws/ Acts/ Scope/ Remarks
important because each has their ‘own style’ in Standard Policy
planning to solve these issues in short-terms National National Security Outlines a Policy on
actions. Security Council Disaster Management
Division Directive No. 20 and Relief according to
“ ...they have to understand their own roles
(Prime (The Policy And the level of disaster. The
and responsiilities, if not the coordination of Minister’s Mechanism On purpose is determining
the organizations will be disorganized in Department) National Disaster the roles and
terms of the operations planning due to their And Relief responsibilities of the
attitude” (Respondent 3) Management) various agencies
involved in handling
4.4 Improve and follow the existing policies and disaster.
legislation in the waste system/sector Ministry of Solid Waste and This act as guidelines for
Urban Public Cleansing the management and
Welbeing, Management Act regulation of controlled
İn general, disaster waste managemet is arranged
Housing and 2007 (Act 672) solid waste and public
and handled by several government agencies, from Local cleansing for the purpose
federal to state to local authorities. Due to lack of Government of maintaining proper
human and financial resources to manage solid of Malaysia sanitation. Normally, the
waste and public cleansing, an integrated system for act is focuses on
waste management and an interim privatisation household, municipal
period would take too long and make it more and hazardous industrial
difficult to secure loans; this is one of the reasons waste/areas.
the federal sector took over all the waste Ministry of Environmental The EQA was enacted in
Natural Quality Act 1974 1974 and applies to the
management systems, with two departments in
Resources (Act 127) whole of Malaysia. It is
2007;, National Solid Waste Management and –Part IV Section related to the prevention,
Department and Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Environment 24 (2b) abatement, control of
Management Corporation [16]. Therefore, several pollution and
strategies need to be improved, likes revising the enhancement of the
Waste Management Act of 2012 and their environment, and for
definitions of terms;, or defining the purpose connected
responsiblilities of each sector and improving the therewith.
databases regarding quantities and types of waste Department Malaysian This Malaysian Standard
of Standards Standard Landfill specifies requirements
that is treated. The system should be enforced, a
Malaysia/ Safe Closure- for landfill safe closure
deterrent to parties that do not abide by laws. SIRIM Requirements and it is to protect public
According to Respondent 2, the existing policies on BERHAD (MS 2547:2014) health and the
solid waste management focus on the household, environment by proper
municipal and ‘normal waste’ produced by our management of such.
community. Consequently, disaster waste is not
included in Act 672. Respondent 1 and 2 also stated Sources: National Security Council Directive No.20 [3], ACT 672
in reality, the existing policies it seem not to be [18], ACT 127 [19] and MS 2547:2014 by SIRIM [20].
implemented, as there is lack of enforcement.
“ ...of course every year,we’re faced with a flood Table 3. above shows the first authority is an
disaster related to existing policies of waste organization under the National Security Council (NSC)
management; Act 672 in Malaysia is for domestic of the Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia, which
waste and scheduled waste only and there is no introduced Directive No. 20 (Policy and Mechanism on
enforcement of this act...to date, we do not use any National Disaster and Relief Management). The scope of
policies, acts or guidelines on disaster waste this directive is according to the level of disaster:, Level
management ” (Respondent 2) 1:District; Level II: State; Level III: Central [3]. The
main purpose of this policy is to form a team and
“ ...in the EIA report there is nothing related to coordinate agencies involved in disaster management
disaster waste, but in my opinion other parties [17] and to determine the roles and responsibilities of the
involved in waste management after the recent agencies involved in handling the disaster. The second
floods must have planning, playing their role and authority is the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing
improving the existing policies related to disaster and Local Government of Malaysia with its Solid Waste

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MATEC Web of Conferences 66, 00051 (2016) DOI: 10.1051/ matecconf/20166600051
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and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672);

this act is normally implemented in daily events of waste
management in Malaysia. It provides and regulates the
management of controlled solid waste and public 5 Scope and limitation
cleansing for the purpose of maintaining proper sanitation
under the housing and local government authority. The This research focuses on the current situation and
regulation focuses on avoiding waste from contributing to practices or initiatives of the disaster waste management
improper sanitation. Even though the act did not specify in our country. Several authors have given their opinions
disaster solid waste but it should be seen as part of and produced their definitions of waste management,
controlled solid waste. However, the whole scope of resulting in the existing policies and guidelines. The
managing the waste is not enough, as compared to the current problem is that implementing these policies and
steps given in the waste management hierarchy. The next guidelines is not practicable as identified in Malaysia. In
authority is the Ministry of Natural Resources and addition, the existing initiatives and policies, public and
Environment with its Environmental Quality Act 1974 private, concerning waste management in Malaysia have
(Act 127). The act’s scopes is to prevent, reduce, control been investigated to identify gaps in management
pollution and to enhance the environment. Wastes in this planning and ways to control the waste following
act is more related to general environmental problems, disasters. Therefore, strategies will be considered to
such as sludge, odour and others. The waste is also achieve the aim and objectives of the research. Since the
interpreted as liquid, solid, gas and radioactive. The research involves various authorities in the waste
wastes is either normal waste or scheduled waste [21]. management industry, the main target group includes the
The drawback of this law is that it considers waste when Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management
it is deposited and causes pollution of the environment; it Corporation, and local authorities in Kelantan (Kuala
is not much involved after disasters, due to there being Krai) and Pahang (Temerloh), which are important
separate emergency methods. The final authority that agencies pertaining to adapt disaster waste management
concern waste is the Industry Standards Committee on guidelines in Malaysia and identifying full detailed
Environmental Management (Department of Standards problems. The limitation of this study is thus the small
appointed SIRIM BERHAD as the agent to develop number of entities or individuals that play a significant
Malaysian Standards) which publishes new standards of role in waste management in Malaysia.
requirements for landfill; Malaysian Standard Landfill
Safe Closure- Requirements (MS 2547:2014). The 6 Significant of research
landfill when completed must be closed properly for safe
storage of the waste and prevention of pollution to the This research will add in to the existing body of
surrounding environment. Several requirements must be knowledge on disaster waste management issues and
met to ensure that agencies using it as a guide meet policies since there are limited resources on this area of
landfill site requirements according to the Malaysian study. It is sponsored by the MOHE (Ministry of Higher
Standard. Education) under the Fundamental Research Grant
In order for Malaysia to move towards a green or Scheme (FRGS) known as the Flood Disaster
sustainable environment, the country has to benchmark Management Grant. This research will not only benefit to
developed nation like Japan in handling disaster waste government, but also other authorities involved in
issues. A diagram of disaster waste management disaster waste management. The limited number of up to
strategies containing all the relevant variables is shown in date primary sources is one of the main concerns in
Figure 1. preparing this research and there is a gap in terms of what
has been planned and actions that have been implemented
in particular disaster waste management occurrences.

7 Conclusions
The disaster waste management strategies is useful
approach to guide Malaysia for present and in the future.
The findings are expected to be the cornerstone for
disaster waste management in Malaysia. There is a gap in
terms of what has been planned and the actions actually
taken in particular disaster waste management events.
Generally, disaster waste management issues in Malaysia
have not been seriously addressed, thus more empirical
evidence and research is required to provide information
on the current scenario and the actions that should be
taken. This study revealed that they are four (4) elements
Figure 1. Cross-case study anaysis strategies of disaster to be considered in this research which are based on
social impact, economic impact, environmental impact
waste management
and technical impact (i.e.: insufficient equipment,

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transportation problems etc.). In order to have a better 6. Did, “Government Of Malaysia Department Of
disaster waste management in Malaysia, the factor could Irrigation Volume 1 – Flood Management,” vol. 1,
be highlighted for further study. These need more (2009).
investigation from the researcher to look into the 7. Hon Anna Bligh MP, “Disaster Management
suitability of the factors to be adopted in the disaster Strategic Policy Framework,” State Disaster
management guideline in Malaysia. Developing a Management. Gr., no. 1, pp. 1–20, (2010).
management strategy for Malaysia is the fundamental 8. H. Srinivas and Y. Nakagawa, “Environmental
task of an agency’s leader. Strategy indicates both where implications for disaster preparedness: Lessons
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taking account both of limits and resources. That is, the “Waste management strategies during post disaster
strategy must be guided by the underlying reality of the phase: A case of Sri Lanka,” (2010).
setting in which objectives are pursued. In what follows, 10. M. Milke, “Disaster waste management research
we use management strategy and implementation strategy needs,” Waste Management, vol. 31, no. 1, p. 1,
as generally interchangeable. Furthermore, through the (2011).
exploratory interview, it provides clarify on actual events 11. C. Brown, M. Milke, and E. Seville, “Disaster waste
on disaster waste management in Malaysia. Thus, the management: A review article,” Waste Management,
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The authors would like to express their gratitude for the Turrialba volcano (Costa Rica); implications for
financial support from MOHE (Ministry of Higher disaster risk management,” Appl. Geogr., vol. 50, pp.
Education) under the Fundamental Research Grant 63–73, (2014).
Scheme (FRGS), 600-RMI/FRGS DIS 5/3 (7/2015) and 15. A. Pramudita, E. Taniguchi, and A. Qureshi,
also LESTARI GRANT (600-RMI/DANA 5/3/LESTARI “Location and Routing Problems of Debris
(17/2015) which is internal grant of Universiti Teknologi Collection Operation after Disasters with Realistic
MARA (UiTM) for the management and support of this Case Study,” Procedia - Soc. Behav. Sci., vol. 125,
research. pp. 1–15, (2014).
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