The Cabinet has approved Selangor and Penang to become the latest two states to adopt the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672).
Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, stated that although the decision was approved by the Cabinet meeting last week, it is still at the policy decision stage and further discussions with the two state governments are needed.
"I hereby inform everyone that last week the Cabinet has decided to accept Selangor and Penang as the latest states to adopt Act 672.
"We are currently in the stage of detailed negotiations, but the policy decision has been made. The Cabinet also encourages other states to emulate this in order to enhance the quality of our country's public cleanliness services."
Nga Kor Ming made these remarks on Thursday while attending the 2025 Lunar New Year celebration event hosted by the Ministry.
The implementation of this act in joint management of solid waste with the federal government is expected to reduce costs borne by state governments and their subsidiaries.
Regarding the issue of the illegal landfill in Taman Seri Sentosa, Ijok, Nga Kor Ming stated his willingness to cooperate with the Selangor state government to address the issue and explore preventive measures. The area of the landfill reportedly expanded from 20 hectares in 2022 to 52 hectares now.
"This falls under the jurisdiction of the Selangor state government, and I will discuss with the state government on how to take preventive measures.
"Currently, seven states have adopted Act 672. I would like to share with everyone that through the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SW Corp), we successfully closed down 2,634 illegal landfills last year, setting a new record."
He emphasized his adherence to the principles of cleanliness and is determined to mobilize all forces to ensure that the country is clean, beautiful, and safe to achieve this goal.