A Study of Solid Waste Management in Malaysia: An Ecological Modernization Perspective

Abstract

Waste management is currently one of the critical areas of public policy. Population growth in cities usually results in a corresponding increase in waste generation. In basic, the solid waste generation has related to the economic status of a country and lifestyle of its population. It is turning also affects the management style of the waste generated. This paper addresses the evolution, nature and appropriateness of the national waste management system in Malaysia in terms of its capability to meet sustainability goals. It requires an investigative methodology that encompasses the policies, processes, scales and actors comprise the national waste management system. It does this by adopting the concept of ecological modernization theory as a reference for analysing the policy and institutional structures that control waste management and sustainability policy. The national policy of solid waste management in Malaysia is still lacking clarity of strategic policy and management, measurement gaps are identified, and aspects of institutional structures are found which combine to frustrate the sustainability goal. Thus, Ecological modernization is found to be a partial satisfaction approach to explaining the policy and institutional of solid waste management in Malaysia.