Authors : Ahmad Fariz Mohamed , Muhammad Awang , M. Nasir Hassan and Abu Bakar Jaafar
Abstract: Manufacturing industries play a vital role for the Malaysian economic growth for the past 4 decades. However, industrial activities generated large amount of hazardous wastes which have detrimental impacts on the environment and the society. In 2002, industries in Malaysia generated about 363,017 metric tons of hazardous waste. The number of factories generating hazardous waste increased from 960 in 1994 to 4,079 in 2002. The current management system for these wastes emphasizes on the end-of-pipe approach which prioritize the use of final treatment and disposal system. This approach has created many problems including illegal disposals and many cases of pollution to the environment. Acknowledging the problems, alternative approach is needed to achieve sustainable industrial hazardous wastes management. One of the possibilities is to use the ecosystem approach. The ecosystem approach promotes integrated and holistic approach in managing industrial hazardous wastes. The approach emphasizes the creation of industrial ecosystem, where resources efficiency is the priority and wastes become important resources. This is in line with the Malaysia policy emphasizing implementation of industrial symbiosis concept for sustainable industrial development.
Ahmad Fariz Mohamed , Muhammad Awang , M. Nasir Hassan and Abu Bakar Jaafar , 2008. Ecosystem Approach for Sustainable Industrial Hazardous Waste Management in Malaysia. Environmental Research Journal, 2: 306-310.