We’ve once again proven that sustainability in Malaysia isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a shared commitment. This spirit was recognised globally when Malaysia received the Global Zero Waste Special Citation Award during the Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye, celebrating our ongoing journey toward circular living and environmental innovation.
The award recognises Malaysia’s ongoing leadership in advancing the circular economy and championing innovative waste management solutions.
Global Zero Waste Special Citation Award : A Milestone for Malaysia’s Green Journey
Accepting the award, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the recognition reflects Malaysia’s sustained dedication to transforming urban waste management and promoting sustainable city living.
“I pledge to you today that my team and I will work tirelessly to forge a sincere and meaningful partnership with the Zero Waste Foundation as mandated by the UN,” said Nga, who also serves as President of the UN-Habitat Assembly.
“Together, we will elevate these critical principles on the global stage, at the United Nations, throughout the Asia-Pacific, and across my own region of Asean.”
The award was presented by First Lady of Türkiye, Emine Erdoğan, patron of the Zero Waste Foundation, in a ceremony celebrating nations that have made significant strides toward a zero-waste future.
Leading the Way in Sustainability
Malaysia received the highest honour among four global categories, which also included Innovative Research and Design, Zero Waste Projects, and Zero Waste Practices.
Nga highlighted that this recognition is not just symbolic, it reinforces Malaysia’s leadership in advancing zero-waste living under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
One of Malaysia’s most inspiring sustainability movements has been Hari Cuci Malaysia (HCM), launched in 2024. Inspired by the UN’s World Cleanup Day, the campaign rallied over 100,000 volunteers nationwide and broke five national records.
The message was simple yet powerful, keeping the planet clean is everyone’s responsibility.
From Landfills to Lestari Parks
Malaysia’s efforts go beyond policy. From recycling centres and the “Trash to Cash” initiative to the Circular Economy Blueprint 2025–2035, the country is weaving sustainability into everyday life.
The blueprint focuses on extended producer responsibility, digital waste-tracking systems, and the creation of green technology hubs, ensuring that waste reduction becomes part of Malaysia’s economic DNA.
Equally inspiring is Malaysia’s transformation of old landfills into Lestari Parks, green spaces powered by renewable energy, and the introduction of Kuala Lumpur’s AI-powered transfer station, capable of processing 2,500 tonnes of waste daily.
Taking the Global Stage
Following the award ceremony, Nga also delivered his closing keynote address, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to championing the zero-waste agenda through its UN-Habitat Assembly presidency.
He urged 104 participating countries to embed zero-waste goals into their national climate policies, empowering local authorities to become “engines of implementation.”
Nga also revealed Malaysia’s collaboration with Brazil to align the New Urban Agenda with the UNFCCC process, ahead of COP30 in Brazil next month.
Global Momentum for Global Zero Waste
The Global Zero Waste Forum 2025, themed “Zero Waste in Action: People, Places, Progress,” brought together representatives from 104 countries, including mayors, ambassadors, and delegates from organisations such as UN-Habitat, UNEP, and UNDP.
As the world edges closer to a circular future, Malaysia’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with vision, cooperation, and community spirit, sustainability can become more than a goal; it can be a way of life.
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