Nga Kor Ming: It’s Mandatory for All Shopping Malls to Provide Recycling Facilities from Jan 2026

Minister of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Nga Kor Ming today announced that, effective 1 January 2026, all shopping malls must provide recycling facilities or they won’t be granted a business license by local authorities.

He added that the decision was made by the National Council for Local Government, and the new requirement will be part of the business licensing conditions imposed by local authorities on premises owners.

Shopping malls must provide recycling facilities from 1 January 2026

Nga kor ming

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Nga was quoted by BERNAMA as saying that the move is part of his Ministry’s proactive efforts in managing plastic waste in the country and to phase out single-use plastic bags.

Winding up the debate on the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, the KPKT Minister further elaborated,

“Any shopping mall that does not provide (recycling facilities) will not be granted a business licence by the local authority,”

The aforementioned Bill was later passed by a voice vote after being debated by 10 Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Government and Opposition blocs.

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So, what do you guys think of this new requirement for shopping malls? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: Nga Kor Ming: Litterbugs May be Forced to Sweep the Streets, Wash Toilets in Special Uniform Soon