SHAH ALAM, June 19 — Guidelines on the separation of halal and non-halal organic waste only apply to the main waste collection points and refuse rooms of malls and hypermarkets, said state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim.
He added that the guidelines don’t concern smaller trash cans in rented premises or mall lobbies, and that the rules have been in effect for several years but the state government hasn’t received official complaints about them from any business operator.
“We have taken note that at the final stage of management, all waste will be disposed off together, including by being sent to waste-to-energy (WTE) plants to be incinerated.
“Thus, we are prepared to hear views from stakeholders and non-governmental organisations. We welcome constructive feedback to be brought up to the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) to reassess loopholes in these guidelines,” he told Media Selangor.
Ng was responding to a Facebook statement by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung who requested a clarification on waste separation terms in the Selangor Planning Guidelines and Standards for Businesses Manual 2025.
Ng acknowledged that any process of updating the guidelines could come with weaknesses and spark confusion or inaccurate interpretations among the public.
“The state government is always open. Any party including traders’ associations can submit official letters to hold a dialogue session with us.
“This is important to ensure these guidelines can be improved to preserve harmony and the interests of Selangor’s plural society,” he added.
The guidelines were formulated as some hypermarkets have special non-halal zones, which require that organic waste be separated before being sent to refuse rooms. This condition was maintained in the updated 2025 version of the guidelines.
