YB TUAN NGA KOR MING
MINISTER OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
GREEN AND GEOPARK EXCELLENCE AWARDS (GAGA) 2025
22 NOVEMBER 2025 | SATURDAY | 7 PM
LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE
SALUTATION
● Yang Bhg K.Y. Pung Chief Organiser of GAGA 2025
● Yang Bhg Tuan Wan Kamarul Faisal Wan Kamardin, Chief Executive Officer (Planning & Development) of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
● Yang Berusaha Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, Director-General of the Department of National Solid Waste Management in Malaysia
● Yang Berusaha Tuan Khalid Bin Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp)
● Dr Yu Kee Su, President of FIABCI-Malaysia
● YB Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, Member of the Special Select Committee on Environment, Science and Plantation
● YB Datuk Seri Phee Boon Poh, Former Penang State Minister of Environment and Welfare
Distinguished guest, Award Recipients, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen.
INTRODUCTION
A very good evening and Salam Malaysia MADANI to all,
- It is a profound honour to be here tonight at the Green and Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA) 2025, an event that celebrates sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the conservation of our geological heritage.
- This award represents far more than a recognition of excellence. It reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding precious ecosystems and championing a future where all can thrive through sustainable development.
- Most importantly, tonight’s celebration reaffirms a vital truth: economic progress and environmental responsibility are not opposing goals—they can, and must, advance together. Through collective action and leadership, we can build a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.
FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: KPKT’S GREEN INITIATIVES
Ladies and Gentlemen,
- By 2050, it is projected that two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas. In Malaysia alone, the urbanisation rate is expected to increase from the current 77% to between 85% and 90%. As urbanisation accelerates, we must address the challenges that come with it, including the loss of green spaces and the increase in waste generation.
- At the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), we are deeply committed to advancing liveability, sustainable urban development, and resilient communities. In line with the 13th Malaysia Plan, the ministry is aiming to increase the adoption of industrialised building systems (IBS) in the construction of public housing to reduce construction waste and noise pollution.
- Meanwhile, we have pledged to build 100 MADANI parks each year with the aim to build 1,000 recreational parks by 2035. Last year, we exceeded our annual target by completing 109 parks, and I am confident that we are on track to hit our annual target again this year. At the same time, we also surpassed the five-year goal of planting 100 million trees under the Malaysian National Greenery Programme, reaching a total of 115 million to
date. - We are also targeting to set up a total of 18 Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants across Peninsular Malaysia by 2050 to support the nation’s renewable energy goals. Currently, we are expecting to complete the second Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant in Sungai Udang, Melaka by 2029. By completing 18 WTE plants, we aim to generate up to 600 megawatts of renewable energy, thus supporting Malaysia’s target of 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050.
- Beyond energy recovery, we are committed to building a sustainable waste ecosystem through the Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste (2025–2035). This strategic roadmap focuses on improving waste segregation, advancing recycling technologies, and ensuring materials remain in circulation. The blueprint not only minimizes environmental impact but also creates economic opportunities and supports Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, realizing what I like to call “From Trash to Cash.”
- Furthermore, the ministry has established a National Circular Economy Council (NCEC) which will oversee the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Policy Framework. Together, these measures will not only reduce pollution and costs but also pave the way for a greener, more resource-efficient Malaysia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
- All of our comprehensive efforts in green initiatives and waste management have earned Malaysia international recognition. Just last month, we were awarded the Special Citation Award by the Zero Waste Foundation under the patronage of the First Lady of Turkiye Emine Erdoğan at the Global Zero Waste Forum, Turkiye. The award is the highest accolade from the Zero Waste Foundation, recognising our leadership in sustainable waste management and circular economy practices.
- Sustaining these efforts requires a whole-of-nation approach. I am proud to share that earlier this year, we have successfully passed the law amendments in the Parliament to introduce Community Service Orders for littering offences, effective January next year. Offenders will directly engage in environmental upkeep, picking up litter, cleaning drains, and maintaining public spaces, building awareness and preventing repeat offences.
- Countries such as South Korea, Sweden, Singapore, and Japan have successfully implemented similar approaches. And it is time for Malaysians to step up. On that note, I would encourage the operators of Geopark to work hand in hand with the local authorities in catching the irresponsible individuals, especially in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year.
Distinguished guests,
CLOSING: THE GREEN AND GEOPARK EXCELLENCE AWARDS
- Tonight, as we honour GAGA awardees who exemplify leadership and innovation in sustainability, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting development that safeguards our planet’s ecology while enhancing the quality of life for all.
- I would like to commend the organisers of the GAGA Awards for empowering individuals and organisations who have worked tirelessly to educate communities, preserve our natural heritage, and pave the way for sustainable progress.
- To the award recipients, this recognition reflects your dedication to designing eco-friendly infrastructure, implementing zero-waste policies, and educating communities about conservation.
- Your work serves as a model that can—and should—be replicated across Malaysia and beyond, guiding green businesses, certified buildings, and community-led conservation projects. Thank you for setting the standard for excellence and for inspiring peers, local authorities, and the next generation to aim higher, cleaner, and greener.
- I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients. Your achievements are beacons of hope and catalysts for positive change. Together, let us continue to build a world that is thriving, green, and sustainable.
Thank you, and have a pleasant evening ahead.
