The Ingenieur

LE M BAGA JURUTERA MALAYSIA

KDN PP 11720/4/2013 (032270)
THE INGENIEURVOL.87 BOARD OF ENGINEERS MALAYSIA

JULY-SEPTEMBER 2021

MAGAZINE OF THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS MALAYSIA

Environment

Photo courtesy of Lee Soo Leng



2021-2022 EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL BOARD

PRESIDENT ADVISOR

Dato’ Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman Dato’ Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman

BOARD MEMBERS CHAIRMAN

Datuk Ir. Mohd Adnan bin Mohd Nor First Admiral (R) Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Murad bin Omar
Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Redza bin Ghulam Rasool
First Admiral (R) Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Murad bin Omar EDITOR
Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi bin Abd Shukor
Datu Ir. Zuraimi bin Haji Sabki Dato’ Ir. Fong Tian Yong
Dato’ Ir. Nor Hisham bin Mohd Ghazali
Ir. Megat Johari bin Megat Mohd Noor EDITORIAL MEMBERS
Ir. Sundraraj a/l Krishnasamy
Ir. Ali Ahmad bin Haji Hamid Prof. Emeritus Ir. Dr K S Kannan
Ir. Zailee bin Dollah Ir. Prem Kumar
Ir. Ong Ching Loon Ir. Chan Boon Teik
Prof. Ir. Dr. Norlida binti Buniyamin
Ir. Mohd Khir bin Muhammad
Ir. Mohd. Aman bin Haji Idris
Ar. Azman bin Md. Hashim
Sr Rogayah binti Yunus

REGISTRAR

Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy bin Megat Tajuddin

SECRETARY

Ir. Suhaizad bin Hj Sulaiman

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1

INGENIEUR 6

CONTENTS

4 President’s Message Feature

Announcement 31 Environmental Impact
Management for Palm Oil
5 Call for Articles Production

Cover Feature 45 Greening Batik Industries in
Malaysia
6 Can Integrated River Basin
Management Save Our 50 Plastics: Chemically Engineered
Rivers? to Pollute?

16 Plastic WaSsgteSMetainuagement: Do You Know?

Transition to a Circular 55 Environment
Economy
25 Developing National
Emission Factor for Electricity
Sector in Malaysia

45 55

26 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

31

Special Report 50
25
58 Impact of Disruptive 80
Technologies on Malaysia’s
Future Energy Scenario
(Part 2)

Report

74 What Others Say About
Environment

77 Key International Conventions
on the Environment

Engineering Nostalgia

80 Johor Bahru Causeway, 1960

58

3

31

Special Report 50
25
58 Impact of Disruptive 80
Technologies on Malaysia’s
Future Energy Scenario
(Part 2)

Report

74 What Others Say About
Environment

77 Key International Conventions
on the Environment

Engineering Nostalgia

80 Johor Bahru Causeway, 1960

58

3

INGENIEUR

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Environment

On World Environment Day 2021 on June 5, 2021, a 56% shortfall in freshwater supply relative to
the United Nations’ Secretary-General presented demand by 2030.
a foreword message with the heading ‘Making
Peace with Nature: A scientific blueprint to tackle With Malaysia’s dependence on international
the climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies’. trade, staying aligned to global trends is important.
He reiterated that making peace with nature is the Malaysian exporters have taken steps to adopt the
defining task of the coming decades. This year, United Nations-supported Sustainable Development
several major international conferences, including Goals (SDGs) through implementing environmental,
climate change, biodiversity and desertification, social and governance (ESG) standards that meet the
provide opportunities to increase action on requirements on ethical impact and sustainability.
recovering from climate disruption. The central
objective is to build a global coalition for carbon The publication of this issue with the theme
neutrality. If adopted by every country, city, financial ‘Environment’ is most timely in view of the global
institution and company around the world, the drive concern and attention given to environmental
to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 can still avert impact on the global community. The Malaysian
the worst impacts of climate change. Government in the 2021 National Budget has
provided allocations under its fourth strategy
An environment analyst mentioned that for too of ‘Ensuring Resource Sustainability’, aimed at
long, humans have been exploiting and destroying positively influencing environmental decisions in
the planet’s ecosystems. Every three seconds, the line with SDGs.
world loses enough forest to cover a football pitch,
and over the last century we have destroyed half Plastic had been named as one of the worst
of the world’s wetlands. As much as 50% of the pollutants affecting our environment. Blaming
world’s coral reefs have already been lost and up plastics alone is not the solution but rather
to 90% of coral reefs could be lost by 2050, even if focusing more on human behaviour, management
global warming is limited to an increase of 1.5°C. and technologies. The article with critical review
on ‘Plastics: Chemically Engineered to Pollute’
According to UN-Water, the impacts of climate and another on ‘Plastic Waste Management:
change are felt first and foremost through water.  Transition to a Circular Economy’ points to the way
Increasing global temperature causes drought, forward to address this issue.
flooding and other extreme weather events - all
of which pose a direct threat to businesses and With the theme of ‘Ecosystem Restoration’
the communities they operate in.  Water scarcity for World Environment Day 2021, I wish to thank
in particular is a major financial concern for contributors of articles in this issue and I am sure
businesses.  Today 3.6 billion people worldwide they will bring greater awareness to professionals
live in water-stressed areas. Without further action and the public in general.
based on projected demand, the world will face
Dato’ Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman
President, BEM

46 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

LE M BAGA JURUTERA MALAYSIA

KDN PP 11720/4/2013 (032270)
THE INGENIEURVOL.86 BOARD OF ENGINEERS MALAYSIA

APRIL-JUNE 2021 The Ingenieur is published quarterly by the Board of
Engineers Malaysia. The following are the themes
MAGAZINE OF THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS MALAYSIA for the coming issues.
• Vol. 88 Oct-Dec 2021
Chemical ANNOUNCEMENT
Engineering Engineering Practice
• Vol. 89 Jan-Mar 2022
Photo Courtesy of Chin Siew Yin
Digital Economy
• Vol. 90 Apr-June 2022

Green Engineering
• Vol. 91 July-Sept 2022

Physical Connectivity
• Vol. 92 Oct-Dec 2022

Smart City

Articles and other contributions relevant to the
themes are welcomed, but the decision to publish
rests with the Editorial Board.
Advertising inquiries are also welcomed. Please
refer to the BEM advertisement in this issue for the
latest rate card and booking form.

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COVER FEATURE INGENIEUR

Can Integrated River Basin
Management Save Our
Rivers?

By Dato’ Ir. Haji Nor Hisham bin Mohd Ghazali
Dato’ Ir. Haji Jamil bin Shaari
Ir. Noor Aishah binti Zaharin
Daniel Liew Yu Chuan
Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Malaysia

On March 7, 2019, multiple reports River Pollution
emerged regarding a sudden wave of
suspected gas or chemical poisoning River pollution is defined as the contamination of
involving three schools in Pasir Gudang, Johor. A the natural river environment by the introduction of
subsequent investigation by the HAZMAT teams pollutants. Prior to release into the water system,
from the Department of Environment eventually wastewater must be treated according to approved
ascertained that the source was from a location standards. Pollution is frequently the result of illicit
in Sungai Kim Kim where apparently tonnes of waste dumping, ignorance of standards of care, or
chemicals were dumped illegally. By April 14, the failure of existing regulated treatment systems
2021, 71 cases of poisoning were reported. This to perform.
led to the temporary closure of 111 schools in the
Pasir Gudang township and the indictment of three The problem is exacerbated by the growth of
individuals under the Environmental Quality Act industry and urbanisation, as water intakes are
(EQA) 1974. Sungai Kim Kim became a household now located downstream of industries such as
name, and the nation was awakened to the reality poultry farms and palm oil mills. Had the upstream
of our rivers’ vulnerability to pollution. catchments been adequately protected, all that
would flow downstream would be natural run-off.
The Sungai Kim Kim incident demonstrates the We can easily see that land use planning and
challenge we face to protect our rivers. Despite water resources planning were not co-ordinated
over 25 years of Government river management by tracing the rationale for siting water intakes
programmes, river pollution incidents continue versus industries and farms. Water intakes are
to occur, demonstrating that rivers have yet to typically located in upper catchments where
acquire the reverence they deserve. Integrated the water quality is essentially Class I or II,
River Basin Management (IRBM) has been according to national Water Quality Standards.
adopted as the primary strategy towards a better The location of industries such as palm oil mills
river management since the Ninth Malaysia Plan. It and agriculture farms is determined by the
is the management tool used to achieve the goals availability of agricultural land. This disconnect
of Integrated Water Resources Management. exists because all information is not presented
This is especially true for Malaysia, where river contemporaneously. It is only natural that
water intakes account for more than 90% of the land will be needed as economic development
domestic water supply. With river pollution as the progresses. The threat could have been realised
main threat to this supply, how do IRBM Plans if IRBM and its data inventory had been available.
function as a holistic solution? As development expands into the upper

66 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Sungai Setiu

catchments, older and earlier located water History of Integrated River Basin
intakes become increasingly vulnerable. With Management
an IRBM plan in place, land upstream of water
intakes could be zoned as controlled, protected, The concept of integrated water resources
or zero-development zones. management was introduced in the Eighth
Malaysia Plan following Malaysia’s ratification of
Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste and the Rio Accord. It is an approach that integrates
the management of natural resources and
Sg Setiu chemical waste on river banks or directly into economic demands within the river basin — a
the river waters has been a major cause of geographical unit — serving as the management
water supply disruptions. Among the theories unit. The geographical boundaries of the river
as to why these incidents occur is that they are basin are the limits within which water quantity
associated with efforts to reduce disposal costs. and quality are assessed. IRBM seeks to
The perpetrators are either manufacturers of the achieve an equilibrium between water resources
waste, or the contractors employed to dispose of availability and water demand across all sectors
them. Although more an issue of a lack of integrity within current and future development scenarios
and general civic-mindedness, the option to by looking beyond the administrative boundaries
locate disposal sites away from business centres of districts and states. In essence, IRBM is about
has an impact on transportation and operating placing water resources as an economic catalyst
costs. The spatial information provided by IRBM while conserving the natural river environment.
plans would allow future disposal sites to be
properly sited, allowing businesses to respond Since 2003, IRBM plans have been regularly
accordingly. However, education and cultural prepared due to a proposal by the Department of
change are the only ways to increase integrity and Irrigation and Drainage (DID) that was approved
civic awareness.

7

INGENIEUR

by the National Water Council on July 29 of that analysis. An extensive hydrodynamic analysis of
same year. It was part of a strategy to reinforce co- the river system, including water balance analysis,
ordination between the Federal, State and Local high and low flow river analysis, water quality
Governments towards managing the river basins analysis and sediment transport analysis are
effectively and holistically. To date, 37 IRBM plans required when formulating an IRBM plan.
have been completed. These cover more than 70%
of Peninsular Malaysia and 25 more IRBM plans The results of the extensive hydrodynamic
will be completed under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan analysis are grouped into four major components:
which includes Sarawak and Sabah.
Water accounting and availability
DID has continuously been promoting This analysis determines the present state of
the adoption of IRBM plans to the relevant water availability and its prospect in meeting the
stakeholders. In the latest development, the water demands within the river basin. The IRBM
National Water Council in April 2021 has plan explores the opportunity to increase reserve
sanctioned that the IRBM plan be a mandatory water availability within the river basin, by either
reference in land development planning at the introducing dual-purpose structures or alternative
state and district levels. resources.

Objectives and Key Elements Flood risk assessment
This assessment is based on the current and
IRBM is geared towards maximising the economic projected land use for the river basin. Based on the
and social benefits derived from water resources 100 ARI critical storm analysis, an understanding
while maintaining and amplifying the water of the flow behaviour is developed, and conceptual
resources ecosystem. The IRBM plan synergises flood mitigation measures are proposed based on
policies, programmes and practices to achieve the flood projection. Existing land use information
four main objectives, namely: and development plans allow non-structural
options to be implemented, such as the gazetting
1. To guarantee enough water; of flood plains and adjacent state land for future
2. To guarantee clean water; construction of off-river storage ponds.
3. To minimise flood risk; and
4. To improve and conserve the environment Coastal
The IRBM plan encompasses planning, The sediment transport analysis assesses the
implementation and consolidation of strategies. risk of possible coastal erosion at the coastline if
It frames the blueprint of necessary activities sediment flow towards the sea is inhibited.
or action plans to sustainably exploit water
resources, improve and conserve the river basins River water quality
in harmony with economic needs. The IRBM plan Published data from the Department of
also defines the enablers for successful plan Environment on river water quality is the primary
execution, which include financial, institutional data used as a baseline in water quality modelling.
governance and legal considerations. Pollution mapping is performed to identify the
contributing pollutants to the river water body.
Formulating an IRBM Plan Simulations during low and normal flows are
conducted to determine the river carrying capacity.
The formulation of an IRBM plan begins with Appropriate pollution reduction strategy for the
robust primary data input that includes rainfall, river basin is then proposed to achieve the desired
river levels and flows, river engineering surveys Class II river water quality.
and land use. The operational data of water
extraction and discharge released into the rivers, Aside from the inventory and engineering
such as sewerage treatment plants and water analyses of the water resources, qualitative
intakes, are collected to facilitate numerical analysis is conducted through surveys, interviews,
and stakeholder engagements to better
understand social behaviour, acceptance and

86 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

(IRBM)Integrated River

Basin Management

25 4 I. Ensure Sufficient Water
II. Ensure Clean Water
STUDIES OBJECTIVES III. Reduce Flood Risk
PLANNED IV. Enhance Environment Conservation
(RMK-12)

37 Contribute

STUDIES 97%
COMPLETED to
(Covers >70% Malaysia’s

area of water
Peninsular resources
Malaysia)
25
189 Since
Main 2003 Studies
River Complete
Basins
d
(RMK-11)

Department of Irrigation and Drainage, 2021

willingness to implement the suggested IRBM Hence, the Federal and State constitutions are
plans. Various awareness programmes are also consulted when creating IRBM programmes. The
offered as a result of these qualitative studies in IRBM plans are finalised through the principles of
order to improve social inclusion in empowering consultation and consensus.
and fostering river stewardship.
Gaps, Barriers and Enablers
The findings of the assessments are used as a
guide in developing short, medium, and long-term Managing rivers begins with the understanding
action plans for the river basin, together with cost of a river basin and its tributaries. Malaysia
estimates and a recommended key performance has a dense network of rivers with 2,986 river
indicator to assess the plan’s effectiveness in basins including 189 major river basins. These
achieving the set goals. river basins are formed by 60,596km of rivers

Water governance is imperative to ensure that
IRBM plans will be implemented successfully.

9

INGENIEUR

59 Most Polluted Rivers in
Malaysia

Class 3 Rivers Class 4 Rivers

1 Sungai Chempedak (Sungai Jawi), Pulau Pinang 36 Sungai Jawi (Sungai Jawi), Pulau Pinang
2 Sungai Juru (Sungai Juru), Pulau Pinang 37 Sungai Rambai (Sungai Juru), Pulau Pinang
3 Sungai Dua Besar (Sungai Kluang), Pulau Pinang 38 Sungai Kuyoh (Sungai Klang), Selangor/Kuala Lumpur
4 Sungai Air Melintas (Sungai Perai), Pulau Pinang/Kedah 39 Sungai Merlimau (Sungai Merlimau), Melaka
5 Sungai Kereh (Sungai Perai), Pulau Pinang/Kedah 40 Sungai Punggur (Sungai Duyong), Melaka
6 Sungai Pertama (Sungai Perai), Pulau Pinang/Kedah 41 Sungai Air Baloi (Sungai Air Baloi), Johor
7 Sungai Bakar Arang (Sungai Merbok), Kedah 42 Sungai Temehel (Sungai Batu Pahat), Johor
8 Sungai Petani (Sungai Merbok), Kedah 43 Sungai Semenchu (Sungai Johor), Johor
9 Sungai Seluang (Sungai Perak), Perak 44 Sungai Danga (Sungai Danga), Johor
10 Sungai Air Busuk (Sungai Klang), Selangor/Kuala Lumpur 45 Sungai Perembi (Pasir Gudang Catchment), Johor
11 Sungai Untut (Sungai Klang), Selangor/Kuala Lumpur 46 Sungai Masai (Pasir Gudang Catchment), Johor
12 Sungai Kerayong (Sungai Klang), Selangor/Kuala Lumpur 47 Sungai Buluh (Pasir Gudang Catchment), Johor
13 Sungai Klang (Sungai Klang), Selangor/Kuala Lumpur 48 Sungai Tukang Batu (Pasir Gudang Catchment), Johor
14 Sungai Toba (Sungai Klang), Selangor/Kuala Lumpur 49 Sungai Kempas (Sungai Kempas), Johor
15 Sungai Buloh (Sungai Buloh, Selangor 50 Sungai Mupur (Sungai Sedili Besar), Johor
16 Sungai Balak (Sungai Langat), Selangor/Putrajaya/Negeri Sembilan 51 Sungai Ayer Merah (Sungai Pontian Besar), Johor
17 Sungai Tuang (Sungai Tuang), Negeri Sembilan/Melaka 52 Sungai Bala (Sungai Tebrau), Johor
18 Sungai Tuang (Sungai Linggi), Negeri Sembilan/Melaka 53 Sungai Sebulung (Sungai Tebrau), Johor
19 Sungai Malim (Sungai Melaka), Melaka/Negeri Sembilan 54 Sungai Pandan (Sungai Tebrau), Johor
20 Sungai Putat (Sungai Melaka), Melaka/Negeri Sembilan 55 Sungai Tampoi (Sungai Tebrau), Johor
21 Sungai Simpang Kanan (Sungai Batu Pahat), Johor 56 Sungai Sengkuang (Sungai Tebrau), Johor
22 Sungai Batu Pahat (Sungai Batu Pahat), Johor 57 Sungai Neram (Sungai Kemaman), Terengganu
23 Sungai Panchor (Sungai Batu Pahat), Johor 58 Sungai Alor B (Sungai Pengkalan Chepa), Kelantan
24 Sungai Semberong (Sungai Batu Pahat), Johor
25 Sungai Serai (Sungai Johor), Johor Class 5 Rivers
26 Sungai Singol (Sungai Endau), Johor
27 Sungai Latoh (Pasir Gudang Catchment), Johor 59 Sungai Rambai (Sungai Sepang), Selangor
28 Sungai Anak Sedili Kecil (Sungai Sedili Kecil), Johor
29 Sungai Skudai (Sungai Skudai), Johor Source: Department of Environment, 2019
30 Sungai Segget (Sungai Segget), Johor
31 Sungai Plentong (Sungai Tebrau), Johor
32 Sungai Tebrau (Sungai Tebrau), Johor
33 Sungai Merlimau (Sungai Muar), Johor/Negeri Sembilan
34 Sungai Serom (Sungai Muar), Johor/Negeri Sembilan
35 Sungai Pengkalan Chepa (Sungai Pengkalan Chepa), Kelantan

comprising 17,344km of main rivers. With 97% effective execution of the institutional functions,
of Malaysia’s water resources being supplied by and a knowledgeable and environmentally
rivers and lakes, their conservation, i.e. through conscious society.
the protection of water catchments and river
reserves, has often been taken for granted. Water Although IRBM has been officially endorsed
supply for domestic and industrial sectors have as the key strategy for managing river basins in
dominated headlines especially during periods Malaysia, pollution problems remain unresolved.
of scarcity. The National Water Resources Study This poses the question as to how effective IRBM
2010 concluded that in 2050, with a projected plans are as a management tool against river
population of 42 million, several states may pollution.
face water shortages. Efforts to improve water
supply and treatment infrastructure will not be Pollution is habitually a human contribution
sustainable unless non-structural measures are to the natural environment. Curative intervention
implemented. These include strong legislation, through engineering alone is incapable
of controlling pollution since engineering
solutions can only succeed within the limits

160 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

River Water Quality Trend (Source : Environmental Quality Report, 2019)

of design criteria. Engineering facilities such Lost in Translation
as wastewater treatment plants, interceptors Some of the best laid plans fail because of a
and gross pollutant traps require upkeep and literacy divide between the planners and the
upgrades, which create a maintenance challenge implementers. Very often, management plans
sustainable only with ample funds. The damage reside in documents that require commitment
to rivers imparted by development is reflected in from administrators and frontline officers to study
water quality whilst water scarcity is the result of and understand. IRBM plans cannot be seen to be
poor management of water quantity. The strength effective if they are not translated into workable
of IRBM plans is in presenting a comprehensive action plans that specifically guide the frontliners
view of the river basin and how its water — those responsible for approving and enforcing
resources are affected by the current land use the stipulations of the development plans. Even
and its projected changes. While engineering can the language of IRBM plans must be crafted
solve some physical threats, development, once based on the technical level of the readers. IRBM
implemented, is almost irreversible. When land plans are information-rich and must not only be a
use is managed in tandem with water resources high-level document for planners and strategists.
management, the success is multi-dimensional; The plans must therefore be translated or scaled
one sector’s development sustainability and its down to the operational language of frontliners
relationship to other sectors can be determined in the districts where not everyone is expected
at the outset. Threats to rivers can be realised to be water engineers or scientists. IRBM plans
earlier and reduced. must be owned and understood by all. Early
plans were misconstrued to be relevant only
Current IRBM plans are complete with both to the DID when it was meant for all agencies
structural and non-structural measures to promote involved in development. In retrospect, a whole-
water security and environmental sustainability. of-Government approach was lacking. Frontline
The main success criterion is adherence to agencies will fail to realise what their roles are and
its recommendations which cannot be legally how to improve their functions if IRBM plans are
imposed unless gazetted as law.

11

INGENIEUR

not implanted into their workflow. This inclusion in transboundary river basins where conflicts are
would require capacity building for the various more complex and touch on the sovereign rights
levels of players. of State Governments. Nevertheless, a positive
outcome of the draft bill was that it moved many
Legislation and Enforcement states to revise their existing Water Enactments to
The purpose of legislation is to influence human be in line with the spirit of the proposed law.
behaviour. Under the Federal Constitution, both
Federal and State Governments have their specific Laws can ensure that management systems
functions in matters pertaining to water, rivers, are maintained. Legislation that stipulates the
land and forest. In general, the Federal Government need to adhere to and periodically review IRBM
is responsible for promoting uniformity in plans would make them influential as a reference
legislation, management of hydrological data from for future planning and ensure the continuity of
the planning to the collection stage as well as good practices.
providing technical advice, including conducting
required river basin management plans, surveys, Point Source Monitoring and Total Maximum
studies and detailed design works. The State Daily Load
Government, on the other hand, is responsible The Environment Quality Act (EQA) 1974
for the management of water resources, including established the threshold criteria (standards)
gazetting water catchment areas and controlling for discharged effluents before entering natural
land development in states. Pollutants in rivers water bodies, assuming that pollutants would be
are regulated by the Environment Quality Act 1974, diluted. The standards, however, do not take into
Water Service Industry Act 2006, Street, Drainage account the ability of the receiving water body
and Building Act 1974, Local Government Act to dilute the pollutants. To manage discharged
1976 and Sewerage Services Act 1993. contaminants properly, many water scientists and
engineers support a paradigm shift towards the
The fragmented state of water resources Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) approach.
management was a primary cause for concern as
water was managed by no less than 35 agencies. TMDL is defined as the maximum amount
Unification of water agencies under one ministry of pollutants a water body can receive without
was among the first solutions implemented and compromising its desired water quality standard.
this has been in effect since 2018. After the 2018 Controlling the amount and rate of release is a
general election, the Department of Irrigation promising strategy for restoring, enriching, and
and Drainage, Department of Sewerage Services maintaining the river and its habitat. Broadly
and the Water Supply Division were placed under speaking, TMDL sets the upper limit of pollutant
the Ministry of Water and Natural Resources and entry to ensure that the receiving water body will
subsequently under the Ministry of Environment not degrade. TMDL can be utilised as a strategy
and Water (KASA). With this union, the co- to place the IRBM approach in action and steer
ordination of the implementation of infrastructure various Government departments, agencies,
projects particularly at the planning and design private sectors and local communities towards
level is expected to improve. the same goal. Exploration and investment in
real-time monitoring are worthwhile endeavours
Limited legal authority granted to Government to address the concerns surrounding effluent
organisations, conflicting interests between discharge. By stipulating the river’s carrying
State Governments and insufficient enforcement capacity, determined through the TMDL approach
due to limited human resources are amongst in the existing water enactments, a mechanism
the main factors which contribute towards poor for harmonising Federal and State laws could be
compliance to legislation. A Federal bill designed achieved.
to modernise and unify all water resource laws
was mooted in 2015 but this was eventually Inclusivity
relegated to a model law. The proposed bill, if The presumption that the Government is the sole
adopted by all states, would have paved the way entity accountable for pollution management must
for the establishment of River Basin Authorities be removed. As water is deemed a human right,

162 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Denai Sungai Kebangsaan - DSK

13

INGENIEUR

ROLPOP : River Adoption by Local Communities

ROLPOP : River Adoption by Local Communities

correspondingly all are responsible for water. Every done in collaboration with the State Government

Denai Sungai Kebangsaan Pengkalan Datu, Kelantanindividual has a role to play and this has been the to invite the public to create activities there.

primary objective of community education and With a heightened public presence along

public awareness (CEPA) programmes. Selling the rivers, they could provide voluntary river

the idea that IRBM promotes efficient water surveillance, conservation and beautification.

management which in turn is an economic catalyst In the long run, it will inculcate a sense of

can be the defining strategy to achieve buy-in from ownership and responsibility towards rivers. In

administrators and businesses. essence, DSK is a programme to acknowledge

IRBM plans recognise the importance of public societal responsibility by instilling awareness,

participation to complement the engineering accountability and stewardship among the public

interventions in managing river pollution. Realising in performing CPR — conservation, protection

that illegal waste disposal usually happens along and rehabilitation — on the rivers. In addition,

secluded river reaches, KASA reasons that DSK also has the potential to contribute to local

frequent public presence along the river banks eco-tourism as demonstrated by the pilot DSK

would deter illegal dumping and initiated the in Pengkalan Datu, Kelantan. This unique trail,

National River Trails programme (Denai Sungai which was opened in October 2020, with nearly

Kebangsaan - DSK). 50% of its length above water, has become a

Under this programme, river trails will be popular tourist attraction and a catalyst for the

created for hiking or biking along the river banks. local economy.

From simple trails that improves accessibility, River trails bring people to the river and

these trails could then gradually be expanded improve connectivity. The early success of the

into recreation areas and public parks. Frequent Pengkalan Datu River Trail informs the hypothesis

human presence will inhibit illegal settlements, that a river trail is potentially an economic

deter the unscrupulous from disposing scheduled stimulus. As the local community realises that

waste or creating dumping areas and landfills and a pleasant river environment could lead to

other activities on the banks of our rivers. Jogging monetary returns, the river is transformed into

tracks, trails and parks in the river reserve will be an asset worth protecting.

164 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Enabling Change and Moving Forward of its economic potential. Such values will be the
indirect deterrent against pollution.
There is much that we have to achieve in
managing our water resources. Pollution has Using IRBM as a tool, empowering governance
been constantly the issue involving our rivers through inclusivity, and with educated and caring
that are the main source of raw water. Over communities as the enablers, river conservation
time, balancing between the economic benefits can be significantly enhanced. River pollution
and environmental sustainability has become occurs when planning principles or mitigation
very marginal, and it calls for a transformation systems fail, or when a would-be polluter acts
in river basin management. Learning from the upon his dire need for convenience. IRBM with its
gaps and experiences, the Federal Government capacity to blend scientific and human thinking
has launched the Water Sector Transformation processes, can place all issues in their proper
2040 programme that aspires to transform the perspective and facilitate the resolution of
water sector from a supporting entity to a wealth conflicts. Everyone is part of a river basin, and the
creation entity. IRBM plans, developed with the IRBM serves everyone. The living environment we
inclusion of living things and their elements in desire in the future begins with how well we plan
mind, as well as economic and development needs development in the river basin today.
while remaining environmentally conscious, will be
a pillar in pragmatic planning and management, REFERENCE
addressing all issues related to water resources.
Meanwhile, the formula for a joint authority over a Air Selangor (2020), Henti Tugas Loji Rawatan Air
transboundary river basin continues to elude us. Sungai Selangor Fasa 1, 2, 3 dan Rantau Panjang
Berikutan Pencemaran Sumber Air Mentah [Press
The existing challenge for IRBM is that it is a release]. 18 October.
tool that still requires constant practice in order to
master. The playing field for IRBM is the meeting ASM (2016). Transforming the Water Sector:
rooms where a potpourri of water issues from the National Integrated Water Resources
scientific to the socio-economic are discussed, Management Plan Strategies and Road Map.
leading towards compromise and consensus. Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
Pollution is evidently a common denominator since
it originates from humans, propagates through ASM (2019). Lessons from Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir
the apathy of humans, and can be resolved by Gudang. Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
the combined efforts of humans. The elements of
a solution to this perennial problem exist within DID (2011). National Water Resources Study:
the IRBM plans. IRBM plans must be owned by Review of the National Water Resources (2000-
everyone with a role to play in development be it a 2050) and Formulation of National Water
private or public entity. Resources Policy. Department of Irrigation and
Drainage, Malaysia.
Many emerging programmes emphasise
the local community and their commitment to IEM (2021). Water Hazard & Security – IR4.0 Era.
preserving natural resources. A shift from total Jurutera, March 2021. The Institution of Engineers
reliance on Government initiatives must happen Malaysia.
for society to contribute more and eventually
improve their living environment. This cultural IEM (2020). Water Resources – Demand, Climate
transformation is heavily dependent on awareness and Sustainability. Jurutera, March 2020. The
and education. In the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, CEPA Institution of Engineers Malaysia.
programmes have been included to achieve this
transformation. Violette Geissen, Hans Mol, Erwin Klumpp, Günter
Umlauf, Marti Nadal, Martine van der Ploeg,
The construction of river trails promises to be Sjoerd E.A.T.M. van de Zee, Coen J. Ritsema
a game-changer in river management. It would (2015). Emerging Pollutants in the Environment:
draw the eyes of the public to its beauty, thereby A Challenge for Water Resources Management.
creating a sense of ownership and appreciation International Soil and Water Conservation
Research, 3(1), pp 57-65.

15

COVER FEATURE INGENIEUR

Plastic Waste
Management: Transition to
a Circular Economy

By Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr Umi Fazara Md Ali,
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr Siti Khadijah Za’aba
Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology &
Center for Energy Management and Sustainable Campus (COSCEM)
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)

Ts. Dr Al Amin Mohamed Sultan
Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)

Khairul Anuar Ahmad
Petronas Chemical Group Bhd (PCHEM)

Best practices in waste management support Malaysia has started to address plastic pollution
economic growth and societal wellbeing by through the circular economy approach which
enabling a clean, resilient, productive, and eliminates the production of unnecessary plastic
sustainable environment. However, today’s world products, shifting to alternative materials and
economies are dominated by a linear approach circular design, thus extending the life of products
in the way products are manufactured, used, through reuse, repair, resell and finally recycling
and disposed of. This means manufacturers discarded products back into the production
extract natural resources, process them into phase [2]. As a result, recent trends in waste
products and packaging, then sell the products to management in Malaysia exhibit a substantial
consumers who ultimately dispose of them. That increase in the rate of recovery and recycling of
is reflective of our society which is very linear in plastic wastes. The National Recycling Rate to
adopting the “take-make-use-dispose” approach. date is 30.67%, which is a 2.61% increase from
It is not sustainable financially or environmentally 2019. By 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Local
sound and it is a missed opportunity as valuable Government (KPKT) is targeting to achieve a 40%
materials are thrown away. Fortunately, there National Recycling Rate [3, 4].
is a solution; it’s called the circular economy.
In a circular economy, there is minimal waste; LINEAR ECONOMY VS CIRCULAR
we reduce what we don’t need and reuse what ECONOMY
we do need. By moving to a circular economy
for waste management, Malaysia could capture In the linear economy model, a resource from
an estimated RM900 million annually in lost nature is exploited for wealth creation without
value which corresponds to 2.3 million tonnes of any consideration of regeneration and post-use
recycled materials going to landfills [1]. sustainable waste management. For example,
in the logging industry, valuable resources from
Emerging threats due to the unchecked linear the natural environment are taken for granted as
economy growth model subscribed by Malaysia if they are unlimited and forever replenishable
since the 1900s are causing an adverse impact
encompassing environmental and social spheres.

166 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Figure 1: The Circular Economy, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017 [6]

by natural processes. As a result, we have lost a management via incineration. An increase in the
significant amount of CO2 absorbing forests that atmosphere of CO2 concentration brings about
have existed for millions of years in our backyard. devastating events that threaten our existence on
Such unsustainable natural resource mining planet earth. CO2 acts as an insulator that raises
and processing industry has come full circle, the atmospheric temperature, causing a rise in
threatening to cause adverse health impact to ocean levels due to melting polar ice. Another
surrounding communities. source of GHG is methane gas which is released
from landfills due to the decomposition of food
Indiscriminate waste generation from modern and organic waste.
lifestyle and unsustainable waste disposal
management are directly causing environmental Waste generation and pollution from
pollution and climate change. Moving from consumerism, specifically single-use plastic
agriculture and mining-based activities to rapid packaging, leaking into the environment and
industrialisation, Malaysia’s linear economic growth resurfacing in the Pacific Ocean, along with
journey is threatened by the growing heap of waste discarded fishing gear especially fishnets,
disposed in landfills. Landfilling is unsustainable as have formed an unnatural garbage island of
it takes valuable land and renders it unsuitable for approximately 1.6 million square km right in the
commercial and residential development until the middle of the ocean. It has been dubbed the Great
site is fully remediated, without a guarantee that Pacific Garbage Patch with an estimated floating
it will not inflict a health impact on people residing plastic waste of 79,000 tons in 2018 [5].
on the site.
Since its first invention in the early 1900s,
Unchecked Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission plastic has come a long way in every aspect
also comes directly from waste disposal of the modern world. It has kept food fresh

17

INGENIEUR

for much longer making it possible for long become waste and are kept in use for as long as
distance transportation, catering to population possible if not indefinitely. This feat is achieved,
growth in expanding cities. Plastics made land among others, through reuse, repair, refurbish,
transportation more economical due to its repurpose, regenerate, and recycle [7]. The
lightweight and durable properties making cars material and energy flowchart (Figure 1) depicts
and trucks lighter, therefore saving fuel. Plastics the general idea of the circular economy.
replaced expensive glass bottles as the container
of choice for fast-moving consumer goods PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT
(FMCGs) companies selling soft drink beverages TRANSITION TO CIRCULAR ECONOMY
and water to bring down the cost to consumers.
Plastics transformed the packaging industry The key enablers for the transition from a linear
making it cheaper to transport manufactured economy to a circular economy (Figure 2) includes
goods. Unfortunately, when it comes to managing (i) policy and regulation, (ii) waste prevention and
the disposal of post-consumer plastic materials, optimisation, (iii) technology and expertise, (iv)
it is much easier to resort to the cradle to grave renewable energy utilisation, (v) market creation,
approach rather than applying the circular (vii) stakeholders’ engagement, (vii) financial
economy approach. support and (viii) data management [8].

In essence, the circle economy or circular (i) Policy and regulation
economy is more aligned to natural processes Policy and regulation are crucial in changing
where almost no material is left without a purpose the linear economy mentality which can only
upon its expiration and is either returned to nature be achieved when the components of the
in one form or another or reformed to serve a new circular economy are acknowledged as a legal
purpose. mandate by the governing bodies or local
authorities. This is a ‘stick approach’ to boost
The circular economy concept as promoted the circular economy and can take place in
by the Ellen McArthur Foundation, a charity several dimensions such as having several
organisation based out of the UK, encompasses circular economy related directives or laws,
the wider aspect of the economy, not just the that mandate systems, disposal bans or landfill
usual 3R — reduce, reuse, and recycle activities bans, and mandate a take back system.
that we are all familiar with [6]. This is crucial to
the key idea that valuable hard-earned materials
extracted from nature for various purposes do not

Figure 2: Framework of the transition to a circular economy [8]

168 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

(ii) Waste prevention and optimisation for recycling is also crucial to keep the market
Waste prevention or minimisation helps to stable.
develop a more sustainable society by reducing
or eliminating the production of undesirable (vii) Stakeholder engagement
and persistent wastes. Massive plastic waste The circular economy cannot be successful in
generation can be controlled by eliminating its a silo type environment, hence the need for big
use at an earlier point or by extending the life of networks and relevant stakeholder engagement.
plastic based products. Redesigning products and This can range from individuals to groups either
processes, as well as transforming community profit based or non-profit based organisations
consumption and production patterns, are all part which come together complementing each other
of waste minimisation. to drive the circular economy initiatives. The
systematic identification, analysis, planning and
(iii) Technology and expertise implementation of actions that are mutually
Advanced technology and expertise are the agreed upon will help each stakeholder to
backbone for success of the circular economy. contribute based on their strength.
Mature technologies should be in place to drive
the components of the circular economy such as (vii) Financial support
recycling, and this should be made applicable to Financial support, either from the Government or
all kinds of plastic waste. Technologies such as for the private sector, is key for the success of the
collecting the waste, separating it, including mixed circular economy. The availability of budgets gives
waste, cleaning, recycling, and turning it into useful meaningful space to the relevant parties to work
products either for the same function or cross-sector within the circular economy through incentives,
use. Such technologies and expertise should be grants, tax relief, business rewards and others.
ready before the legislative enforcement takes place The aid could be in a non-monetary form as well.
especially when it comes to mandating recycling.
(viii) Data management
(iv) Renewable energy utilisation Data capturing is essential for planning circular
Renewable energy also contributes to the economy practices. Data and the management
conservation of the country’s natural resources. of data are crucial. In fact, to date, most of the
Renewable energy provides consistent power and collection programmes or take back approaches
fuel diversification, enhancing energy security and are struggling because of the minimal amount of
minimising the risk of fuel leaks while also reducing data and information that is available on waste/
the requirement for imported fuels. Renewable material that has been identified for recycling.
energy technologies have an economic advantage It should be compulsory to have data such as
for two reasons: (i) they require new knowledge, type and quantity of waste that is generated,
skills and technology thus resulting in more jobs the capacity, the transportation mode that is
per cost invested than traditional electricity available, the capacity of reprocessing facilities,
generation technologies; and (ii) they primarily market demand and supply, identification of the
use indigenous resources, allowing the majority of process/organisation which will benefit from
energy costs to loop inside the organisation. the re-processed material and others. This data
should be valid and traceable whenever needed
(v) Market creation at different levels.
For a circular economy to work, the creation of a
functioning market for recycled and sustainable Challenges in the implementation of a
plastics is a must. It is undeniable that market Circular Economy
creation is heavily dependent on current demand.
The demand here is not only for the waste for The circular economy transition has reached out
re-processing but also the demand for recycled to the relevant stakeholders in Malaysia, but the
plastic materials. Diversified market segments acceptance and response levels are still varied.
are important and the ability to supply the waste

19

INGENIEUR

Figure 3: Malaysia Circular Economy Roadmap for Plastics. (Slides from Webinar on UNEA-5 and its
significance to the plastic industry, May 4, 2021)

Roles of • The establishment of the National Solid Waste Management. Department (JPSPN)
the Ministry which is currently responsible for plastic waste management in Malaysia.
of Housing
and Local • The National Recycling Programme (NRP) initiated in 1993 by KPKT to encourage
Government the habit of applying the 3Rs.
(KPKT)
• A National Recycling Day initiated in 2001.
• The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) was

developed with mandatory separation of household waste at source.
• The Government set a household recycling rate target of 40% by the year 2025 [4].
• In 2019 KPKT announced that waste separation at source (SAS) applies to

commercial organisations, industries, and institutions.
• KPKT established a waste to energy plant to minimise the use of landfills in

Malaysia for plastic wastes [9].

Circular • The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change
Economy (MESTECC) initiated the Circular Economy Roadmap (CER) for Malaysia in
Roadmap (CER) September 2019 [11].
for Malaysia

Reducing single- • Malaysia's Roadmap towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030 [12].
use plastics • The Ministry of Domestic Trade Cooperatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) launched
a No Plastic Bag Day (NPBD) campaign in which the provision of free plastic bags
in grocery stores was banned nationwide.

State Plastic • City Hall (DBKK) and Blu Hope Ventures Sdn Bhd co-operation for the introduction
Neutral Project and implementation of the ‘Kota Kinabalu Plastic Neutral Project’ programme.
This is aimed at reducing plastic waste by bringing in the latest technologies to
manage, dispose of and solve plastic waste to convert wastes into synthetic oils,
waxes, and gases by working together with local partners such a Borneo Waste
Industries (BWI), WWF Sabah, Sabah Environmental Trust, and others [13].

Table 1: Examples of ‘top-down’ circular economy approaches in Malaysia

260 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

The Malaysian Productivity Centre (MPC) surveyed The implementation of circular economy
500 executives across diverse sectors including approaches has resulted in societal, environmental,
plastics and resins, and the findings indicated that and economic benefits across various parts of
only 7% of the respondents are currently adopting the world including China, Japan, and Europe.
circular economy practices. The majority are still Their success stories have a stream of processes
planning to shift towards a circular economy (80%), including ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ approaches [9].
while 10% are in the phase of learning more about
the circular economy before implementing and 3% The ‘Top-down’ Circular Economy
of the respondents are not considering circular approaches in Malaysia
economy practices at all.
The ‘Top-down’ approach involves policy
Based on Figure 3, the general challenges to intervention and the “Bottom-up” approach
fully implement the circular economy in plastic involves capacity building, people’s participation,
waste management include: the absence of an promotion and use of appropriate technologies
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, and private sector participation [9]. The
inadequate and incoherent policies on plastic combination of these two approaches and the
consumption and disposal, absence of macro successful implementation of circular economic
data to monitor plastic production, consumption, practices will help in realising the vision of a
and treatment, as well as limited responsible circular economy in plastic waste management in
investment for innovative small or medium Malaysia [10].
enterprises (SME). Specifically, challenges are
also categorised as upstream, midstream and Many ‘Top-down’ initiatives of the circular
downstream, which are detailed as follows: economy that can be seen in Malaysia are
primarily driven by Government’s effort, especially
1. Upstream by the relevant Ministries. Several examples are
a. Lack of circularity integration in included in Table 1.
corporate decision making,
b. Lack of clarity on using recycled plastic The ‘Bottom-up’ Circular Economy
material in food grade applications, and approaches in Malaysia
c. Lack of research and development
(R&D) in plastic design. The ‘Bottom-Up’ circular economy approaches
are more effective in Malaysia as the relevant
2. Mid-stream stakeholders and companies set up their plans,
a. Lack of awareness of sustainable which are in their control in terms of execution
consumption, and capability. Many companies started with initiatives
b. Consumer price sensitivity to alternative that ranged from awareness programmes to the
products. improvement of technologies, which enable
the development of new products through the
3. Downstream recovery of waste. Some of the circular economy
a. Unsatisfactory quality of the municipal implementations resulting from the ‘Bottom-Up’
waste stream, approaches in Malaysia are tabulated in Table 2.
b. Unsatisfactory enforcement of policies,
c. Limited recycling facilities, and THE WAY FORWARD
d. Lack of alternative end-of-life solutions
for municipal solid waste. It is undeniable that both ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-
up’ approaches should synergise effectively
Thus, to successfully implement a plastic to boost plastic waste transition to a circular
circular economy, these challenges must be met economy for Malaysia. Although the Government
with the availability of a stable supply of high-
quality plastic as feedstock, increase in material
recovery facilities to improve their output,
adoption of standards for designing plastics
so that they can be recycled, and recycled
content and standards for major plastics used
in industries.

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INGENIEUR

PETRONAS • PCG is collaborating with Plastic Energy Ltd (Plastic Energy) to construct a facility
Chemicals that produces crude naphtha from plastic waste as a feedstock for polymer
Group Berhad production. The plant will be located in Johor and will be the first in the Southeast.
(PCG) • Collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Solid Water Corporation (SWCorp)
and the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) to develop an
educational module for primary and secondary school students on plastic waste
management and the environment.

The Malaysian • The first alliance of its kind in the country comprises 10 key industry leaders in the
Recycling fast-moving consumer goods sector in Malaysia made up of Coca-Cola Malaysia,
Alliance Colgate-Palmolive Malaysia, Dutch Lady Milk Industries, Etika Group, Fraser &
(MAREA) Neave Malaysia, Mondelēz International Malaysia, Nestlé Malaysia, Spritzer, Tetra
Pak Malaysia, and Unilever Malaysia [14].
• MAREA aims to enable a voluntary, industry-led Extended Producer Responsibility
(EPR) group of like-minded companies to focus on boosting the value chain and
significantly improve the collection and recycling of post-consumer packaging.
• An incentive scheme will also be implemented via a pilot project where consumer-
packaging waste, including polyethylene terephthalate bottles, used beverage
cartons; high-density polyethylene and flexible packaging will be collected and
channelled to local recycling providers.

Hatta Dolmat • Hatta Dolmat has creatively recycled 200 plastic bottles into scarf and facemasks.
The designer collaborated with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change
Centre (MGTC) for the collection of plastic bottles. The imitative which is called
MGTC X Hatta Dolmat, was launched on May 7, 2021 [15].

Heng Hiap • One of a growing number of companies working with environmentalists to collect
Industries and remove plastic waste in the country’s waters. The pellets made by Heng Hiap
Sdn Bhd are sold to companies such as Kian, a furniture maker [16].

• French multinational Capgemini SE is collaborating with Heng Hiap Industries Sdn
Bhd to develop a mobile application to facilitate plastic recycling in three stages
where it begins with consumers calling collectors for the collection of recyclable
plastic waste from their homes. Collectors then accept the requests and have the
ability to review the plastic haul and reward consumers with points. They receive
their payment digitally via a digital wallet from Heng Hiap. The mobile app is
expected to be launched in October 2022.

• Heng Hiap is working with over 28,000 domestic plastic recyclers to buy and convert
plastic scraps into high-performance resins before selling it to clients including major
South Korean appliance manufacturers and Japanese automotive companies [17].

Malaysia • Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have targeted 50% of in-flight and ground waste to be
recycled and up cycled by 2025 onwards. Both carriers also aim to achieve net-zero
Airlines, carbon emissions by 2050 as part of a newly launched sustainability blueprint by its
Firefly
parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG). The MAG Sustainability Blueprint
and MAG will also promote other green initiatives such as reducing overall carbon dioxide

Sustainability emission by 25 million kg in 2021 and reaching 50% biodegradable materials usage

Blueprint for in-flight operations [18].

Nestlé • Milo Sayang Bumi campaign – to reduce the production of plastic and promote the
(Malaysia) use of renewable energy sources.
Berhad
• Milo UHT Paper Straw – an innovation to make packaged drinks more sustainable
by replacing 100% of plastic straws with paper straws for their products. It is
estimated over 200 million plastic straws will be eliminated yearly.

• Projek CAREton - Used Beverage Cartons recycling campaign that transforms drink
packs into ‘green’ roofing tiles and panel boards

• The Stik Pek X-Change Programme – plastic waste upcycled into handicraft goods
through collaboration with local upcycling communities [19].

Table 2: Examples of ‘bottom-up’ circular economy approaches in Malaysia

262 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

has undertaken many initiatives, the promising 3. Balancing plastic recycling awareness with
results are still far from expectations. The stick approaches such as pay-as-you-throw
awareness campaigns are a good start for many or additional disposal fees.
organisations, but they should be taken to the
next level such as practices where tangible results 4. Development of recycling technologies
can be seen. Awareness programmes such as for plastic including the smart waste
3Rs have been practised for almost 30 years but separation system.
tangible results cannot be seen comprehensively.
Therefore, legislation and policy interventions 5. Collaboration between the Government
should progressively take place strategically. and the private sector in utilising modern
The national agenda should be strengthened on capabilities and expertise to transform
plastic waste issues. the plastic linear economy into a circular
economy.
Some of the efforts that could assist towards
the success of plastic waste transition to a circular 6. Reward systems for companies that
economy in Malaysia are: achieve the circular economy goals (e.g.,
levies or tax exemptions)
1. Eco-friendly alternative materials or
products to replace conventional plastics In a nutshell, a plastic circular economy
need to be identified urgently. roadmap has to be in place to address plastic
production, consumption, recycling, and waste
2. Implementation of efficient waste take back management and to keep plastic products and
policies such as the Extended Producer materials circulating in a state of use for as long
Responsibility (EPR) or Product Stewardship as possible, while offering new ways to mitigate
that suit the Malaysian culture. risks to allow the plastics industry to grow and
diversify. Additionally, the Malaysian Government

23

INGENIEUR

is targeting private sector participation given in Malaysia: management, recycling and
that the private sector is well equipped to lead disposal of local and global plastic waste.
through innovations in product design, business SN Applied Sciences, 3(4), 1-15.
models, recycling technologies, experience of [10] Switchasia (2020). Moving towards Circular
producer responsibility gained from other markets Economy for Plastic Waste Management.
and project financing. By embracing the circular Retrieved from https://www.switch-asia.eu/
economy, Malaysians can build a thriving economy event/moving-towards-circular-economy-for-
while also taking care of the planet for today and plastic-waste-management.
future generations. [11] Circular Economy Roadmap - Malaysia’s
Practice (2020). Retrieved from http://
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264 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Developing National COVER FEATURE
Emission Factor for
Electricity Sector in
Malaysia

By Radin Diana R. Ahmad
Sazalina Zakaria
Ahmad Rosly Abbas
Mohd Faizzi Fadzli
Syahirah Amirah Saleh,
Built Environment and Climate

Change Unit, Generation and
Environment Department,
TNB Research Sdn Bhd
and Raja Shazrin Shah Raja Ehsan Shah
Yuan Ji Mok
Galaxy Tech Solutions, Innovation
Incubator Complex, University of
Malaya

Even though we might not expect many food security, human security, water supply and
differences in ramping our air conditioning economic growth will increase and will increase
up or down by 2°C, the same increase in our even more at 2°C warming. The impact of global
climate could be the tipping point causing global warming will be experienced all around the globe
and catastrophic irreversible changes. The IPCC1 and will be most severe in the Arctic ecosystems,
Special Report on Global Warming of a 1.5°C dry land regions, small-island developing states
increase concluded that various portions of land and least developed countries. Limiting warming
on the earth’s surface will in fact experience to 1.5°C will reduce the number of people
higher temperatures than the global average susceptible to climate-related poverty risks by as
surface temperature. Furthermore, at a 1.5°C much as several hundred million by 2050.
increase in Global Warming, approximately 14% of
Earth's population will be exposed to severe heat To stabilise atmospheric concentrations at a
wave at least once every five years and this figure level that would minimise the risk of major global
worsens to 37% at 2°C warming. Climate-related climate change, more than 130 countries ratified
risks and threats to human health, livelihoods, the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the 1992 Earth

1 IPCC: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science
related to climate change.

25

INGENIEUR

TNB Research Sdn Bhd has embarked on a project to develop Tier 2 country-specific GHG emission
factors for the electricity generation sector in Malaysia.

Summit in Brazil. This initial effort was later It is well understood that GHG is the key driver
followed by the third meeting of the Conference of for climate change. Hence, several initiatives have
Parties in Kyoto (December 1997) where decision- been taken by Government agencies, private
makers agreed on country-specific greenhouse companies as well as NGOs. Therefore, in this
gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. Malaysia context, TNB Research Sdn Bhd has embarked on
became a Non-Annex I Party to the UNFCCC a project to develop Tier 2 country-specific GHG
when it ratified the UNFCCC in 1994. Malaysia emission factors for the electricity generation
also ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002 and sector in Malaysia. The project was funded by
subsequently also became a signatory party to the the Akaun Amanah Industri Bekalan Elektrik
Paris Agreement in 2016. (AAIBE) under the Ministry of Energy and Natural
Resources (KeTSA), formerly known as Ministry
Signatories to the Paris Agreement are of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment &
required to submit National Determined Climate Change (MESTECC). The 36-month project
Contributions (NDC). These NDCs document the aims to analyse and develop the major GHG
countries’ capacity to fulfil commitments made e(CmHi4s)saionndfancittroorussfoorxcidaerb(oNn2Odi)ofxriodme (CthOe2)s, tmaetitohnaanrey
as a signatory to the Paris Agreement. Malaysia combustion of coal and natural gas for selected
has committed to a reduction of carbon intensity power plants. These emission factors will further
by 45% per unit of GDP by 2030 compared with enhance the accuracy and credibility of Malaysia’s
2005 levels — 35% unconditional basis and a NDC reporting. Accurate estimation of GHG
further 10% on the conditional basis upon receipt emissions is essential for developing strategies to
of support from developed countries on climate mitigate global warming. Additionally, guidelines
finance, technology transfer and capacity building. to measure and report GHG emission data, and a
Additionally, Malaysia committed to maintaining at database to securely and systematically store the
least a 50% level of forest and tree conservation. data on GHG emissions in the electricity sector in
Malaysia reported a 32.5% reduction of carbon Malaysia, were developed.
emissions intensity in 2011 which equates to a
reduction of 18,578.80 ktCO2eq.

266 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

2014 where electricity generation from fossil fuels was the largest source of GHG emissions at 59%. The
transport sector was the second-largest source at 28% whilst combined emissions from manufacturing
industries and construction were around 10%. GHG emissions will continue to rise in tandem with the growing
consumption of fossil fuels to generate electricity unless there are concerted efforts to utilise cleaner fuels and
a shift towards energy efficiency across all sectors.

Source: Hanna et.al.2017 and Third National Communication, 2018
Figure 1: Malaysia’s CO2 Emissions by Sector from 1973 - 2014

Source:FHigaunren1a: eMt.aalal.y2s0ia1’s7CaOn2dEmThisisrdionNsabtyioSneacltoCrofmrommu1n9i7c3a-ti2o0n1,42018

EMISSION FACTOR FOR ELECTRICITY The combustion processes for electricity
SECTOR
generation are optimised to derive the maximum
Malaysia is still dependent on finite sources of
energy such as fossil fuels for its power generation amount of energy per unit of fuel consumed,
sources. Currently, coal, natural gas and large
hydro have been the main sources. The remaining producing CO2 in the process. Some carbon
energy is derived from a relatively smaller number monoxide (CO), methane (CH4) and other gasses
of renewable energy (RE) sources. Energy from RE also known as non-methane volatile organic
sources needs to be significantly increased in the
coming years. compounds (NMVOC) are also produced. Efficient

The sectoral GHG emissions in Malaysia fuel combustion ensures the maximum oxidation of
shows that electricity and heat production were
the largest emitters since 1973, followed by the carbon available in the fuel, hence producing less CO,
transport sector as shown in Figure 1. The same
trend was observed in 2014 where electricity CH4 and NMVOC. Assuming efficient fuel combustion
generation from fossil fuels was the largest itnaskeensspitliavecet,oththeeCcOo2mebmuisstsiioonn factor is considered
source of GHG emissions at 59%. The transport process itself and is
sector was the second-largest source at 28%
whilst combined emissions from manufacturing primarily dependent only on the carbon content of
industries and construction were around 10%.
GHG emissions will continue to rise in tandem the fuel. The carbon content may vary considerably
with the growing consumption of fossil fuels to
generate electricity unless there are concerted both among and within primary fuel types on a
efforts to utilise cleaner fuels and a shift towards
energy efficiency across all sectors. per-mass or per-volume basis. For natural gas,

the carbon content depends on the composition,

which in its delivered state is primarily methane but

can include small quantities of ethane, propane,

butane and heavier hydrocarbons. For coal, carbon

emissions per ton vary considerably, depending on

the composition of carbon, hydrogen, sulphur, ash,

oxygen and nitrogen.

IPCC presented three tiers in the 2006 IPCC

Guidelines for estimating emissions from fossil fuel

combustion as shown in Figure 2. The 2006 IPCC

27

INGENIEUR

Tier 1 Data from national/international energy statistics and default emission factors;

Tier 2 Data from national energy statistics, together with country-specific emission factors,
where possible, derived from national fuel characteristics; and

Tier 3 Statistics and data on combustion technologies applied together with technology-
specific emission factors; this includes the use of models and facility-level emission
data where available.

Figure 2: 2006 IPCC estimating emissions from fossil fuel combustion.

Guidelines estimate GHG emissions separately (IPCC, 2006) to achieve a more representative
reporting. According to United States Agency
in terms of the species. The Tier 1 approach for International Development (USAID), under
the Low Emission Asian Development (LEAD)
accounts for emissions by relating national Programme 2013, the need to develop country-
specific emission factors is mainly because the
activity data with default emission factors. In the default emission factors provided by IPCC do not
reflect the exact values for each country because
context of energy generation, emission factors are conditions may vary and this is the main source
of uncertainty with national GHG inventories. To
dependent only on fuel type and disregard quality obtain an accurate estimation of GHG emissions,
fuel density, net calorific values and country-
of fuel and technology. The Tier 2 approach takes specific emission factors should be determined
locally through extensive experimental analyses.
into account the national fuel characteristics by There have been ongoing scholarly studies on
developing CHG emission factors in several
utilising country-specific emission factors. The Tier countries around the globe to estimate actual
CHG emissions of combustion systems with the
3 approach goes further to take into consideration Tier 2 method, which consider the characteristics
of national fuels (Quick and Glick, 2000; Sheng
technology and facility-level emission data. While and Li, 2008).

higher tiers will ensure more representative data Jeon et. al. (2010) reported that CO2 emission
factors mainly depend on the carbon content
being generated, resource and expertise required of the fuel rather than combustion conditions.
Emission factors are used to relate the emission
for data collection and reporting could be a from sources to a common activity level associated
with those emissions. Emission factors are derived
challenge for developing economies where the from measured data, either experimentally or
collected over a specific period. Emission factors
infrastructure and policies are not in place. are typically expressed as ratios; for example, the
weight of a substance emitted (i.e. CO2, CH4, N2O,
Generally, GHG emissions are estimated using etc.), denominated by the unit weight, volume,
distance, or duration of the activity emitting the
the following equation which converts the quantity substance (EPA, 1999). To estimate emissions,
the emission factors are multiplied by the activity
of fuel consumed with an appropriate emission level, which may be determined by direct data
collected from relevant facilities.
factor for a specific fuel.
In this TNB Research project, both fuel and
GHG = Σi,j ( Fi • NCVi • ρi • EFij • GWPj) fuel data were analysed to develop the country-

where:

GHG: GHG emissions due to the fuel used (kg

Fi: CquOa2enqti/tyyeoafr)t,he fuel type “i” used in the
reference period (L/year),

NCVi: net calorific value of the fuel type “i” (J/kg),
ρi: fuel type “i” density (kg/l),
GWPj: Global warming potential of “j” greenhouse
gas (kgCO2/kgGHGj),
EFij: emission factor (on NCV basis) for the fuel
type “i” (kgGHG j/J),

i: fuel type, and

j: greenhouse gas type.

Although the 2006 IPCC Guidelines provide
default values, applying country-specific
emission factors is recommended when
estimating national greenhouse gas emissions

268 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Fuel Coal Type CO2 CH4 N2O
kgCO2/TJ kg CH4/TJ kg N2O/TJ
Bituminous 93,089
Coal Sub Bituminous 96,260 0.10 0.70
105,116 0.09 0.95
Lignite 50,911 0.04 0.56
Natural Gas 0.09 0.43

Table 1: The annual weighted average of the emission factor for the electricity sector in
Malaysia

specific emission factor which could be used to on the composition of the gaseous fuel, which is

better estimate and assess the amount of GHG primarily methane and small quantities of other

emissions for the country. The iCnOt2hiesmpirsosjeiocnt hydrocarbons.
factors developed and assessed
Table 1 summarises the CO2, CH4 and N2O
were based on fuel carbon contents, which are emission factors from the TNB Research study.

directly related to the composition of fuels. The CO2 emission factor of bituminous coal was
lower, while the sub-bituminous and lignite coal
All coal power plants in Malaysia except

those located in Sarawak utilise imported coal factors were higher than the IPCC default values.

from countries such as Indonesia, Australia and The overall difference of the CO2 emission factor
with the IPCC default value was about 1-4%.
other coal-producing countries. Bituminous, sub-

bituminous and lignites are used in Malaysia. The natural gas CO2 emission factor was lower
than the IPCC default value. This is primarily
Coal combustion emits a significantly higher

amount of CO2 per unit of heat energy compared because the net calorific value in the natural
with liquid and gaseous fuels. Furthermore, the
gas consumed by the power plants was higher

project reinforced that even within the same than IPCC default values by 9-12%. The coal

classification of coal, the different origin and and natural gas CH4 emission factors are lower
from the Tier-1 fuel-based method suggested by
quality of coal exhibit different compositions of

carbon content. The diversity of fuel sources is the IPCC. In ccoonatlrtayspte, stheexcNe2pOt emission factor is
lower for all for natural gas.
the main reason to further improve national GHG

inventories and adopt Tier 2 and Tier 3 methods To benchmark our emission factor with

by reducing uncertainties and increasing the other countries, we find that Germany reported

representativeness of data. Additionally, the use a elonwdesraCsOM2 aemlayisssiaionfofrabctitourmvianluoue with similar
tr s coal while
of default GHG emission factor values as in Tier

1 becomes more questionable because some other countries reported higher values. The sub-

coal power plants in Malaysia operate by mixing bituminous coal and lignite emission factors for

coal from different origins and different classes to Malaysia are slightly higher than IPCC and show

meet the calorific values needed to produce the the same trend as other countries.

required electricity. The power generation sector is the key

Gaseous fuels such as natural gas are source of GHG emissions because it is a major

mostly mixtures of hydrocarbons, carbon contributor. The development of a country-specific

dioxide and monoxide, hydrogen and oxygen. emission factor is crucial in taking the first step

The carbon content in the fuel depends on its towards the Tier 2 method in estimating the GHG

composition, which is usually expressed in terms inventory. High quality, credible and representative

of the volume or mass percentage of individual reporting is essential to move forward in GHG

components. The CO2 emission factor depends emissions mitigation strategies. The sector players

29

INGENIEUR

can use the newly developed GHG emission our worldindat a.org /co2- and - other- greenhouse -
factor to improve GHG emissions assessment by gas-emissions' [Online Resource]
determining the actual emissions value, which
is expected to be lower than the default value Jeon E-C, Myeong S, Sa J-W, Kim J, Jeong
of the IPCC emission factor. On the other hand, J-H. 2010. Greenhouse gas emission factor
the emissions assessment will help the country development for coal-fired power plants in
continue to benefit from the good qualities of fuel Korea. Appl Energ.87:205–210. doi: 10.1016/j.
and make progress in mitigation planning to avoid apenergy.2009.06.015.
the undesirable effects of fuel use.
EPA, 1999. Emission Factors and AP 42,
CONCLUSION Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors.

This project has exhibited the emission factor and IPCC. 2006 IPCC guidelines for national
overall emission change due to changes in fuel greenhouse gas inventories; 2006.
quality, particularly the carbon content as well as
calorific value. In conclusion, the current variation USAID 2013, Low Emission Asian Development
in methodologies and approaches in calculating (LEAD) Program: Current Challenges and Priorities
and reporting emission factors undermines the for Greenhouse Gas Emission Factor Improvement
reporting integrity and contributes to uncertainties in Select Asian Countries.: 1-111.
in Malaysia’s NDC reporting and hinders efforts
in measuring the success of potential carbon Quick JC, Glick DC (2000) Carbon dioxide from
mitigation efforts. This project has shown that coal combustion: variation with rank of US coal.
the application of accepted and standardised Fuel 79:803–812.
guidelines combined with a centrally managed
database, the application of varying and incorrect Radin D., Ahmad R., Sazalina et.al. 2020.
default emission factors can be avoided. At a Development of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission
minimum Malaysia needs to continue to carry on Factor for The Electricity Sector In Malaysia. TNB
with this study to annually calculate and document Research Sdn. Bhd.
all of the generation and fuel consumption
statistics for the entire electricity industry to Sheng C, Li Y (2008) Experimental study of ash
improve the quality, credibility and transparency formation during pulverised coal combustion
of published emission factors, and use this inO2/CO2mixtures. Fuel 87:1297–1305,1714
information as a reference for policymaking for fuel Environ Earth Sci (2013) 70:1709–1715.
and technology within the energy sector. On the
other hand, the development of the GHG emission Lee J., Cho C., Hong K.,Jeong J., Kim S., Jeon E.,
factor shows a commitment to further increase 2013 A study on carbon dioxide emissions from
the quantification of GHG emissions, enhance bituminous coal in Korea, Environ Earth Sci.
reporting and verification practices in Malaysia 70:1709–1715
which will develop a basis for measurement,
reporting and verification. IPCC, 2018: Global Warming of 1.5°C.An IPCC
Special Report on the impacts of global warming
REFERENCE of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related
global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in
Davison, J. (2007). Performance and costs of the context of strengthening the global response
power plants with capture and storage of CO2. to the threat of climate change, sustainable
Energy. 32,1163-1176. development, and efforts to eradicate poverty
[Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, H.-O. Pörtner,
Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser (2017) - "CO2 and D. Roberts, J. Skea, P.R. Shukla, A. Pirani, W.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions". Published online Moufouma-Okia, C. Péan, R. Pidcock, S. Connors,
at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: 'https:// J.B.R. Matthews, Y. Chen, X. Zhou, M.I. Gomis, E.
Lonnoy, T. Maycock, M. Tignor, and T. Waterfield
(eds.)]. In Press.

360 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Environmental Impact FEATURE
Management for Palm Oil
Production

By Mohd Radzi Bin Muhamad Dul

Oil palm plantations in Malaysia were started at 19.86 tonnes. Palm oil is recognised as a
in 1870 by the British colonials when versatile vegetable oil which is used in all manner
oil palm seeds (elaeis guineensis) were of daily life including food, cosmetics, utilities, etc.
brought to Malaysia from West Africa. The first Compared with other oil seeds, oil palm is the
commercial oil palm plantation was established world’s highest yielding oil crop with an average
in the Tennaram Estate, in Batang Berjuntai, yield per hectarage recorded at 3.83 t ha-1 year-1,
Selangor in the year 1917. The cultivation of almost four times compared with other oil seeds.
oil palm was boosted in the 1960s when the
Government introduced a policy to diversify the ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT AND IMPACT
agricultural sector with an emphasis on high OF OIL PALM ACTIVITIES
commercial value products. Malaysia became
the world’s largest oil palm producer until 2006 Palm oil production is divided into three major
when Indonesia became the largest. The common categories: upstream, midstream and downstream
oil palm hybrid that is planted in Malaysia is the activities. Upstream activities involve pre-nursery,
Tenera hybrid that was bred from dedicated Dura nursery, land clearing and preparation, planting,
and Pisifera hybrids. Over the years, research and harvesting, loading and delivery of fresh fruit
development has been carried out to produce bunches (FFB) to a palm oil mill. Midstream
high quality Tenera seeds to maximise palm oil activities involve FFB processing in a palm oil
production. mill to produce two major products: crude palm
oil (CPO) and palm kernel (PK). While downstream
In 2019, the nationwide planted area of oil activities involve further processing of the CPO and
palms was recorded at 5.90 million hectares with
the crude palm oil (CPO) production recorded

Table 1: Productivity of Various Major Oil Crops 2006/2007 (Source MPOB)

31

INGENIEUR

Figure 1: Process flow chart of Oil Palm Plantation and value chain from
upstream to downstream activities. (Source: J Occup Health 2013; 55: 405-414)

PK to produce a wide range of products including Oil Palm Plantation
foods, pharmaceuticals, biofuel, oleochemicals, The main environmental aspect in plantation
animal feed, lumber and personal care products. activities is land establishment for new planting
Figure 1 shows the flowchart of the activities. or replanting oil palms. Site preparation which
involves land clearance activities have a
Upstream and midstream activities have significant environmental impact caused by land
a significant impact on the environment. In degradation and soil erosion. Other than that,
plantation operations, the main environmental the removal of old oil palms creates agricultural
impact arises from activities in land establishment, waste that needs to be managed carefully. This
planting crop management and harvesting, while activity is also an environmental risk as it leads
in palm oil mills, environmental problems can be to soil, water and air pollution if there is no proper
generated from receiving and processing FFBs to management. However, most of Malaysia’s
producing CPO and PK.

362 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Figure 2: Common beneficial plant in Oil Palm Plantation
(Source: http://www.salcra.gov.my/en/sustainable-plantation)

plantation companies have adopted mitigation During oil palm plantation maintenance,
plans to minimise the impact of land activities the use of chemical fertiliser has a major
on the environment. The Environment Impact environmental impact due to leaching out of
Assessment (EIA) was established to ensure fertilisers into rivers causing water pollution.
that the impact from all pre-planting activities Therefore, to mitigate the impact, plantation
are controlled to protect the environment. management has to establish a riparian buffer
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) have zone to allow natural vegetation to grow along the
been established to ensure that the land riverbanks. The buffer zone absorbs the nutrients
preparation follows best practices in protecting from the plantation area so that they don’t leach
the environment. Typically, sub-activities involved into the river resulting in water pollution.
during replanting include felling, shredding,
road construction, terrace construction, Another practice in palm oil plantation
platform construction, drain construction, water operations that has an environmental aspect
conservation, lining, holing and planting. is plant protection which involves the use of
chemicals to guard against pest attacks on the oil
Under the provision of the Environment palms. The common pests in oil palm plantations
Quality Act 1974, open air burning cannot be are rats, bagworms, nettle caterpillars, rhinoceros
conducted in any land clearing activities. A zero beetles, bunch moths and termites. To reduce the
burning technique has been adopted by most of impact on the environment, an Integrated Pest
Malaysia’s plantation companies in replanting Management (IPM) practice has been established
activities. The technique involves felling and as a sustainable practice to control and protect
shredding to manage the old oil palm stand. This oil palms from pest attack. Planting beneficial
technique can also produce nutrients from the old plants such as Turnera Subulata, Antigonon
oil palm shredded chips when added to the soil Leptopus, and Casia Cobanensis provides shelter
through decomposition. New oil palm seedlings and also attract predator insects (see Figure 2).
benefit from the organic content produced by The predators attack the beneficial plants instead
the decomposing shredded chips. To reduce soil of the oil palms. The best practices in oil palm
erosion and water pollution from a plantation site, plantation management result in the production
a Legume Cover Crop (LCC) is planted to cover the of good fresh fruit bunches.
soil and reduce the impact of heavy rains. This
also benefits the soil by improving its structure Palm Oil Mill Operations
and texture and improves soil fertility through Palm oil mill operations can have a significant
the decomposition of organic matter. It facilitates negative environmental aspect if they are not
the nitrogen fixation process, soil moisture properly managed and cause air and water
conservation and also recycles soil nutrients pollution. Due to the high risk of palm oil mill
naturally. operations impacting the environment, there

33

parameter in CPO is Free Fatty Acid (FFA), Moisture and Deterioration of
Bleachability Index (DOBI). Figure 3 shows the flowchart of the Palm Oil Mill

INppGrrooEcdNeuscIstEisnUagnRadnbdyFpirgoudruec4tss. hows the mass balance for Palm Oil Mill from FFB to major

PALM OIL MILL PROCESS FLOW

Steam FFB Condensate
Sterilisation EFB
Fibrous Material
Stripping

Water Steam Digestion Press Cake
Crude Oil Pressing Nut/Fibre

Screening Mesocarp Fibre

Clarification Nut Drying Dry Shell
Wet Shell
Desanding Purification Dirt Nut Cracking Kernel
Separation Drying Dry Separation

POME CPO Waste Water Wet Separation
Kernel Drying

FFigiugruer3e:3T:ypTicyaplicfloalwfclhoawrtcfhoarrpt aflomr poiallmmilloinilgmpriollciensgsprocess

TYPICALL PALM OIL MASS BALANCE

STEAM FFB MOISTURE LOSS
25% 100% 10%

CONDENSATE PRESS CAKE LOOSE FRUIT EFB
15% 26% 80% 20%

HYDROCYCLONE WATER DILUTED DRUDE OIL

5% 60%

CLEANING WATER

5%

NUT MESOCARP FIBRE SLUDGE CRUDE PALM OIL 4

12% 14% 40% 20%

SHELL KERNEL
5.5% 5.5%

PALM OIL MILL
EFFLUENT (POME)

65%

FFiigguurree 44: :TyTpyicpailcMalaMssaBssalBanaclaenfcoer PfoalrmPOalilmMOilli(lSMouirlcle(:sMouPrOcBe)MPOB)
FFB will be graded to ensure the FFB meets the specifications according the
standard by MPOB. After that, the FFB will be load into Loading Ramp prior
transported into Steriliser for Sterilisation process. The sterilization process purposes
is to deactivate the lipolytic enzyme activity to prevent rise of Free Fatty Acid (FFA)
due to the lipase reaction. It also facilitate the fruitlet detachment process and also
minimise the un-stripped bunches (USB). Other than than, sterilization process also let
the nut to be preconditioned for cracking process to separate kernel from the shell with
good cracking efficiency. Typically, sterilization process took about 60 minutes to 90
364 mfroinmVVuOOtLLet8hs57i5dsJUeJLppUYr-eNSonEEcdP2eT0sEoMs1n3BitEshRe2st0set2er1irliilzizeerrctoynpdesenasnadtecawpahcicithy.iTs hceobnyta-ipnroodfucwtaotrerw, assatnedg,enoeilraatnedd
organic particle. As figure 3, the sterilizer condensate estimated to be produce about
% from the overall FFB process. After sterilization process completed, the Sterilised

is a special legal provision enacted under the the bunch. The loose fruit is transported to the
Environmental Quality (Prescribe Premises) (Crude digester while the empty fruit bunches (EFB) are
Palm Oil) regulation 1977, under the Environmental transported to the EFB press station for pressing
Quality Act 1974 (Act 127). In addition, the to recover the oil residue inside the bunches, and
operation of palm oil mills are subject to the for shredding as a precondition process for the
Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations bio-composting process. The EFB also becomes
2014 and Environmental Quality (Schedule another agricultural waste. The digester breaks
Wastes) Regulation 2004. The Environment up the oil bearing cells from the mesocarp fibre to
Quality (Clean Air) Regulation 2014 imposed on ensure that oil extraction during pressing is done
palm oil operations was to minimise the negative efficiently. The oil extraction process is carried out
environmental impact due to the operation of by a pressing machine and produces crude oil and
the biomass boiler. The Environmental Quality press cake.
(Schedule Wastes) Regulation 2004 was imposed
to minimise the negative environmental impact Crude oil is transferred to a clarification station
arising from the generation of scheduled waste for oil clarification to separate pure oil and sludge.
from the use of chemicals in laboratory analysis Pure oil is processed in a vacuum dryer to remove
and mineral oil for machinery operation. moisture to produce CPO which is stored in the
storage tank. The by-products from the clarification
Fresh fruit bunches are transported from the process include waste water specifically called
estate to the palm oil mill for processing into CPO palm oil mill effluent (POME). The press cake that
and PK. To ensure that the quality of CPO meets contains a mix of mesocarp fibre and nut is then
high quality specifications, the FFBs need to be sent to the depericarper station to separate the
processed within 24 hours. The typical quality mesocarp fibre from the nut. The mesocarp fibre
parameters in CPO is Free Fatty acid (FFA) and is used as fuel in the biomass boiler for steam
Moisture and Deterioration of Bleachability Index generation and the nut is processed in the nut
(DOBI). Figure 3 shows the flowchart of palm oil cracker to produce a cracked mixture containing
mill processing and Figure 4 shows the mass shell and kernel. The shell is then separated from
balance of the products produced in the palm oil the kernel through both dry and wet separation.
mills as a percentage of the FFBs. The shell is used as fuel for the biomass boiler
while the kernel is dried in the kernel silo before it
The FFBs are graded to ensure they meet the is stored in the kernel bunker.
specifications according to the standards set by
the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). After that, Palm Oil Mill Waste Management And Emission
they are loaded onto the loading ramp prior to Control
transportation to the steriliser for sterilisation. Generally, the agricultural wastes generated from
The purpose of the sterilisation process is to palm oil mill operations are EFB, shell, mesocarp
deactivate the lipolytic enzyme to prevent the rise fibre and POME while the major air emissions
of FFA due to the lipase reaction. It also facilitates come from the biomass boiler. As shown in Figure
the fruitlet detachment process and minimises 4, EFB production accounts for about 20% of the
un-stripped bunches (USB). Other than that, the total FFB processed. The EFB is commonly used as
sterilisation process preconditions the nuts for mulching in oil palm plantations where it degrades
cracking to separate the kernel from the shell with naturally. However, in order to better utilise and
good cracking efficiency. Typically, the sterilisation boost the potential of EFB, it is converted to bio-
process takes from about 60 to 90 minutes compost. This process involves the utilisation of
depending on the steriliser type and capacity. The both the EFB and POME from the POME treatment
by-product or waste generated from this process is system (POMETS). The POME is the source of living
steriliser condensate which contains water, sand, micro-organisms that facilitate the decomposition
oil and organic particles. As shown in Figure 4, the process in EFB, releasing the nutrients from the
steriliser condensate is estimated to be about 15% organic compounds in the EFB. The shredded EFB
from the overall FFBs processed. After sterilisation is mixed with POME and fermented for around 45
is complete, the sterilised fruit is conveyed to days. The EFB is stacked and sprayed with POME
the threshing station to strip the fruitlets from

35

stacking, POME spraying, turning and monitoring. Matured bio-compost will be sent
to plantation site as biofertilizer. This approach benefited the oil palm plantation by

INroepGdeuEracNitinIogEnUtfhlReowdcehpaerntd. ency to chemical fertilizer. Figure 5 shows the Biocomposting

BIOCOMPOSTING PLANT OPERATION

EFB FIBER FROM MILL POME FROM POMETS MATURED COMPOST SENT TO ESTATES

BIOCOMPOSTING PLANT
(Stacking, POME Spraying & Turning)

45 days
Leachate

LEACHATE COLLECTING SUMP

PUMP BACK TO POMETS

FFigiguurree 55: FFlloowwpprorcoecsessinina BiiooccoommppoosstitninggPlPalnatnt

atwchophempiilrrepogtrdoauebeescsrenpthbpieeiniesbnrngcaesdettnMeeitetvuennoefrethcintslptyisyoeogrodocohpfnaidrllaaorpcuppnnmhractdeeleamfsmttimsphiboupioeceonrlwaarnestlonieatafsttoresaantrerfltdbetioaoiFidlmorinPFs.fpsee.aBMlrrblTasmtaypin.hltirrtFsueeoSeiurdgcerhhsuu.eaieTrcbsggelihsinlhoeei5gs-dpap.rnroIedtdaospsytinrsuwlhosudcmtceirteleieiilrmnloslebssnsb.sett,sitHaeoaualwomleemsfwseiaedltewdsliwvmtsboeoaibeartsl,hfotlauefteiolcbusdreieeelersidlsatynuasriahfntsotosaeeeurnBmdtnthchhisdeetoeeohampt1phatrdia4irevnmeose%grdscaibuevrpBeyssaeueotsnarnissdipslrteeduoeppr5ecasoase%hmtlrolisuaganttsiieoonnda
showastthperobcioecsosimnpgopsltainngt.oPpearlamtioonilflmowilclhaalrst.o can bweertesccorgunbibzeerdsaysstesemlf,-esluescttarionsitnagticplparnetcidpuiteators

Mteosiotcsaarbpiliftibyrteo aunsed thpealemxissthinegll rpersooduurcetsf,rom(EwSPa)s,taemtoegcheanneircaatlerep-ocwycelornfeo,rapvloarntteux saegpea.rator
estimDatuerdintgo tbheeaorpouenradti1o4n%biaonmd a5s%s breosipleerc,ttivheelyemi(scslieoann cflonwtrsoysltiesmv)earyndcraubcaiaglf.ilTtehr.eFeigmuirses6iosnhows
of thefrotomtalthperobcoesilseerdcFoFnBta,ianrsesuesveedraalsaftumeol sipnhertihcepeolellcutrtoasnttastiscupcrhecaipsitPataorrti(cEuSlPa)tesysMteamtt.ers
the b(iPoMma),ssblbaociklersmtookge,neCrartebohnigMh opnreosxsiudree (CO),PONMitrEogisentyOpixciadlely (tNheOx)la, ragnedst Spuelrpcheunrtage
steamO.xTihdeeshi(gShOpxr)e. sTsoureresdtuecaemthiseuismepdatcot dorfivtehe eomf iasgsriiocnu,ltuthrealinwsatsatlelatpiroonduocfeAdirduProinlglutpiaolnm oil
a turbCinoenttroopl rSodyuscteempo(wAePr CfoSr)thbeecpolamnteaandctrhiteicalpproadrtu.cIttioanl.soOnstaipveurlaagteed, iitnisRaebgouulat t5io5n%7m, ass

heat processing plant. Palm oil mills are now balance in palm oil processing. POME comes from

recognised as self-sustaining due to their ability three major sources including the sterilisation

to use existing resources from waste to generate process, the clarification station and the hydro-
cyclone operation. POME is a viscous brow6nish
power for plant usage.

Emission control is crucial during the operation liquid mixture which contains about 95% water,

of the biomass boiler because the emission from 4% solids and 1% residual oil. Due to the large

the boiler contains several atmospheric pollutants amount produced daily, palm oil mills have to

such as particulate matters (PM), black smoke, install a POME treatment facility. POME is purely

carbon monoxide (CO), rneidtruocgeetnheoxeidnevir(oNnOmx)eanntadl non-toxic as there are no chemical substances
sulphur oxides (SOx). To used in processing operations. However, POME
is a serious pollutant if it is not treated prior to
impact of the emission, the installation of an

Air Pollution Control System (APCS) is a critical discharge into the environment. As stipulated in

component. It is also stipulated in Regulation 7 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, palm oil mills

the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulation have to comply with the Environmental Quality

2014 that the biomass boiler has to be equipped (Prescribed Premises) Crude Palm Oil Regulations

with a system to control air pollution to meet the 1978. Therefore, an operational license to operate

emission standard determined by the Department a palm oil mill will consider the effectiveness of

of Environment (DOE). Commonly, a multi-cyclone the POME treatment facility before the POME is

dust separator system is widely used in most palm safely discharged into the environment. There

366 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Figure 6: Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)

Proposed Standard Discharge Limit

PARAMETER RAW POME* (DOE,2019)

Watercourse Land
Application

Chemical Oxygen Demand, COD 51,000 --
(mg/L)) 25,000
Biochemical Oxygen Demand, 50 5,000
BOD (mg/L) 35
Ammoniacal Nitrogen (mg/L) 20 -
- -
Total Nitrogen (mg/L) 750 200 -
- -
Suspended Solid (mg/L) 18,000 5.0 – 9.0 -
5 -
Total Solid (mg/L) 34,000 -
-
pH 9.0

Oil and Grease (mg/L) 4,000 – 6,000

Manganese (mg/L) 2.0

Zinc (mg/L) 2.3

Copper (mg/L) 0.8-0.9

Iron (mg/L) 46.5

Phosphorus (mg/L) 180

Potassium (mg/L) 2,270

Magnesium (mg/L) 615

Boron (mg/L) 7.6

Calcium (mg/L) 439

Chromium (mg/L) 10.2

Note: *As cited in NahrulHayawin et al. (2017)

TableT2a:bClhea2ra: cCtehraisrtaictoefrirsatwicPoOfMraEwanPdOsMtanEdanrdddsitsacnhdaargrde ldimisictshabrygDeOlEim(Sitosubrcye:DMOPEOB)
(source: MPOB)

The POME Treatment System (POMETS) in palm oil mill commonly involv3i7ng
primary treatment, secondary treatment and tertiary treatment as shown in Figure 7.
Primary treatment involve the physical process such as screening, decanting and oil

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41

INGENIEUR

Figure 7: Components in POME Treatment System

are two types of discharge that are allowed by acetogenesis and methanogenesis. Each stage
the Department of Environment (DOE) that may requires different microorganism populations to
be discharged into a watercourse or for use in carry out the process. This process requires less
land applications. These have different standard maintenance cost because it is a natural process
discharge limits. Table 2 shows the characteristics that only requires hydraulic retention time
of raw POME and standard discharge limits set by (HRT), a pumping system for POME transfer and
the DOE. circulation, which also controls other parameters
such as pH, to let the micro-organisms to
The POME Treatment System (POMETS), effectively break down the substrate. However,
commonly involving primary treatment, secondary the aerobic process requires oxygen to degrade
treatment and tertiary treatment is shown in the organic substances in the POME. Figure 8
Figure 7. The primary treatment involves a shows the anaerobic pond commonly used in a
physical process such as screening, decanting palm oil mill.
and oil trapping with the purpose of reducing the
solid content and the substrate burden prior to The tertiary treatment involves extended
secondary treatment. aeration to boost the reduction of POME’s BOD
and also to further reduce residual suspended
The secondary treatment involves a series solid, ammonia, oil and grease as well as
of biological processes which are anaerobic, colour to meet the discharge standard. There
aerobic and facultative, typically employing a are many types of tertiary treatment is used
ponding system. The anaerobic process breaks by palm oil mills such as an extended aeration
down the organic substance in the POME by system, an activated sludge system, a sequence
anaerobic micro-organisms in the absence of batch reactor and a contact surface aeration
oxygen and produces biogas with methane system. The system can be a combination of
gas (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) being the biological and mechanical systems depending
major components. The biochemical oxygen on the specification of standard requirements
demand (BOD) can be significantly reduced by of the discharge set by the DOE. Commonly, the
the anaerobic process (Hassan et al., 2006) installation of a tertiary plant requires significant
and the BOD reduction efficiency can be up maintenance and running costs due to the need
to 90%. The anaerobic process involves four to install additional machinery such as an air
stages which are hydrolysis, acidogenesis,

460 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

requires less maintenance cost due it nature process that only demand on the Hydraulic
Retention Time (HRT), pumping system for POME transfer and circulation, also
control of parameter such as pH to let the microorganism to breakdown the substrate
e ectively. While the aerobic process requires oxygen to degrade the organic substance
in the POME. Figure 8 shows the anaerobic pondcommonlyused in palm oil mill.

system, Activated Sludge system, Sequence Batch Reactor and also Contact Surface
Aeration system. The system can be the combination of biological and mechanical
system depends to the demand of the specification discharged standard required by the
DOE. Commonly, the installation of tertiary plant required significant maintenance and
running cost due the need of installation additional machinery such as air blower, air
diffuser, circulation systFeimguraen8d:fAinltaraetrioobnicspyosntedmin. FPOigMuEreTS9 shows the Activated Sludge
syWstheimle. the tertiary treatment involves extended aeration process tbooost the

ammonia, oil & grease as well as colour to meet the discharge standardTh. ere are many
type of tCeOrMtiPaOrNyENtrTeS IaNtI mPOeMnE TtRhEAaTsMEbNeTeFAnCILuITsYed by the palm oil mill such aEsxtended A eration

SERIES OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE SYSTEM

BOD3 INLET: 500 mg/L ACTIVATED SLUDGE SYSTEM Return Sludge 9BOD3 OUTLET: <100 mg/L

Air Blower POME Inlet from Sedimentation Pond Final
Return Sludge Discharge

POME
inlet

AEROBIC AEROBIC CLARIFIER AEROBIC AEROBIC CLARIFIER
TANK NO. 1 TANK NO. 2 TANK NO. 1 TANK NO. 3 TANK NO. 4 TANK NO. 2

PARAMETER CONTROL RANGE
Dissolve Oxygen 2 - 5 mg/L
pH 7-9
MLSS
SSV30 2000 – 6000 mg/L
15 – 35 %

AQUARATOR

Plant Overview Control Parameter

FFigiugruere9:9A:cAtivcatitveadteSdludSgluedSgyestSemystem

Despite the anaerobic process is commonly adopted in treating POME in most
of palm oil mill in Malaysia, the biogas production as the product of Anaerobic Process
blower,carenaateirs deimffuissseiro, na ocfircGurlaeteinonhosuysseteGmaasn(dGHGth)einintostathlleataiotmn oosfphaerbeio. gOansepclaunbticismtehteerboefst
a filtratPioOnMsyEstwemo.uFldiggureene9rastheo2w8s mtheetearctcivuabtiecdof mcoenthtraonlemoenaasvuereratgoer(eAdnudcerewbioegtaasl.e, m20is1s3io).nItto
sludge wsyislltecmre. ate negative impact to the environtmheenetn.vTirohnemreefonrt.e,Atobiomgiatsigpaltaentthcisonisssisutes, othf ean
aammOgadnnielsoaeltAsepeesstcirrneosu(dbcdtSDbGtMbhooiehuiiiiHoecacnfmvgelgGfleemapbtimea)lrsdyariosesetsoeoien.efpatifctgarha(tmreIde,ia,HotaenrisbsesmnBgri2soScinoseo,iePhft)bogtamaOcohiPfaaglcroonMenssiOagnsor,dseMEssaptwbduirbvirtEoiiihnsrnoeboeinietnsrccucggamaathteoteiaaottgenomsomnsliesslassteagehebtatr(ttanhelAaiooitepsotsetnfharenegrdefottsehenracmrdbenseewcgou2ioeovwiimocpel8nnusiitgaarpmthereooyalclchomttpfsouneheustoanbsmrphsouewltillee.acioyce,.lanehnntrdtht.agssaraTgetcseeuhBehunlsdnpocneelaBiupuheaeuoesbchcirlrdgrotamoaeayioaadlsstdtpbbioisonetoroeaigrtacoohnipiabtbl(fdcrhldHnaoliaauremoeidnuu2nlgclSosgdniebtatSlo)ghnsle,affucicitlcrsnltdaoerroahstacgururmoemleec,beasbofpuasbeclitntrptsnaeorhoaitbeuarregsercebilerotamooktghbpssolsgfyteetaaom.owaorlrgsFiscmaeblfetoaikodsgumatustturuorsthreeinroruelcicleeaelbdereebitnemys1uxmAu-Hgcc0optsrieeieonflnrinysglsnoadehhernsedteweyrnoixurbfdodfawiepoccaicrguosrobsetoacgtegscwsigeintlnyaecshei.atetslnesyyr.
2013) Faingdurweil1l 0hasvheowa sntehgeatsicvheeimmaptaicctdoiangrtahme ofscBhieomgaasticpodwiagerragmenoefraatbioiongapslapnotwienrPgaelnmerOatiiol n
environMmielnl.t. Therefore, to mitigate this issue, plant in a palm oil mill.

41

INGENIEUR

BIOMASS UTILISATION

Electrical Power Electrical Power
(Mill operations) (send back to Mill)

Palm Oil Mill POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) 600kW
POME From Mill Biogas
Electrical Energy

Biogas Plant Biogas Scrubber for Biogas Treatme Biogas Engine
(to reduce H2S) (to Produce Electrical Energy

Treated POME to Existing Pond

FiguFirgeu1re0:10S:cShcehmeamtiactidcidaigargarmamooffBbiiooggaass ppoowweerrggeenneeraratitoinonplpanlatnint ipnaPlmalomil mOiilll. Mill.

3. SELF-REGULATION APPROACH AND SUSTAINABILITY IN PALM OIL

SPERLFO-RDEUGCUTLIAOTNIOSN. APPROACH aspects, and transparency in reporting and
APNlDanStaUtiSoTnAs INinAdBusItLrIyTYnoINwPbAeLcMomOeILa significantcosmoumrucneicoaftioinc. ome to the Malaysia. The
PiRmOpDacUtCtoTIeOnNvironment become a major issue seek to serious attention to ensure the business
can be sustainability growth to wealth the naStiuosnt.aiTnahbeilietyffCoertrtinfioctatoionnly come from the
Thgeoveorilnmpaenlmt, ipt laalnsotantieoend tihneducsotorpyerisatinoonwfroam thTheepaMlmalaoyilsiiannduPsatrlmy pOlailyeCresratinfdicaatlisoonNCoonu-ncil
sHiGogwnoievfvieceranr,nmtitessnotiumOrcpregaacont fiosainnticotohnme(eNenGfovOirro)tnhtmoe ekcneoetupnhiratys.suci(csMesPresOfsuCplCol)yn,.sainbliendfoerpednedveenlotpninong-parnodfitoopregraantiisnagtitohne,
baanGoOfta3erostgtcp.evui1aooeans.nnmrlttmniiDcaaEaRa.soemocniaTnneneoghmdhtgeapaviituieloonbueaeimiinrmtllvrndneee,asotidecefmntatbfnm(ulomiosjNtiuooemsuhunraetGnntrtrraenrneeaOtisyts(nittn,gshG.sotepafshit)tofrTnrlhSaluafausootgelhREetyloomdremettn“)ihwanrh”tnEvsmedadeehtoitnodieearoitabincvotdnnnbutaohasinsoddeasrintsmlouigrsrlttNsnsyehhneiseeuesotqeaemocmntcrsnuomfycstwtc-eemihGeronenp(tcieeshnoDe-aattlsosavaecglnoOfftpelyourhsfEergtoeMElmeno.rrtmorMohmra)ofmaitwteoloitMteTisuonhhuonidnnneessatratoiglrstaeaytyhanFstsM2agMisemoihnric0isiPagocaohra2itclwrOunwhaete0rohrieBygemosdo.emasr.liTnsstibpTeeTahp1h,,lrshoieeli1otSbnsweyriotupunabiiechlcctnsrddusecieiopitagcnesgtrar(mrithtircteEoionetiisnifhftpnpdtiei,MaciceealrssmbeaacoivasTeslstttfeiamiienilo)owplonitseP”vnlnharfigartaioensththrwcblhhtgomdoahiiweeearllnmsalenaihOmMhttsbmcvmoyeoieuiloeSen,rrel(saoepnynPMv“mntrnnttGOaietcraSfrmohiieoeonluPcbelndirseanreicOuitidenbtermona)taogtetlnindbcie.loreduflseuiliJFncnilenarsapsaSaittdpgtgnh.itatarefuipuiiyTlbnoobclarmraftnyaednoyos-rot.ayti1bhooc12nheei,l
EnvirotnhmeecnotamlpMeateinnscterepaemrsinogn,Tofoaclsility to monitor andAnmoatnhaegre ctheer teifnivciartoinomn enatuatlhaosrpietyct aisndthe
The DOaElshoatsrainnistipaaterednacypriongrraempomretintigtleadn“dGcuoidmemd unRicoautniodnta. ble Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) which
Self-Regulation (GSR)” to assist the community is also a non-profit organisation that unites
in complying with the environmental regulations stakeholders from the seven sectors of the palm
and encouraging industry players to do their part oil industry, namely palm oil producers, processors
in protecting the environment. To achieve this, or traders, consumer goods manufacturers,
Environmental Mainstreaming Tools (EMT) have retailers, banks/investors, and environmental
been established as guidelines. The details of and social NGOs. RSPO is developing and
the EMT are shown in Figure 11 and includes the implementing global standards for sustainable
contribution and commitment of management palm oil. The certification scheme is also based
of organisations, budget availability, monitoring on the principles of prosperity for businesses and
operations by competent persons, facilities protecting the environment and people’s welfare.
to monitor and manage all environmental The RSPO certification has been recognised

462 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

1.
ENVIRONMENTAL

POLICY

7. 2.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL
TRANSPARENCY
BUDGETTING

6. ENVIRONMENTAL 3.
ENVIRONMENTAL MAINSTREAMING ENVIRONMENTAL
REPORTING AND
TOOLS (EMT) MONITORING
COMMUNICATION
COMMITTE

5. 4.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL

COMPETENCY FACILITY

FigureFi1gu1r:eE1n1:vEirnovinromnmenentatallMMaaiinnsstrteraemaminginTogolTs o(EoMlsT)(bEyMDeTp)arbtmyeDnteopf aErntvmiroennmteonft MEanlvayirsoian. ment
(DOE) Malaysia.

3.2. Sustainability certification
Toward to the sustainability in palm oil industry in Malaysia, there is effort from the
NGO to come out with the certification scheme to ensure that the industry can be
sustain in business by considering the protection of environmental and also people
welfare. Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) is an independent non-
profit organization who are responsible to develop and operate the Malaysia
Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme which is become a mandatory to
the palm oil growers, traders, millers and who are been licensed by Malaysian Palm
Oil Board (MPOB) in Palm Oil businesses starting on 1st January 2020. This
certification can help the industry to be as a credible company with the sustainable
approach in their business. Figure 12 shows the principles in MSPO certifications.

FiguFreig1u2r:eM1a2la:ysMianalSauysstaiai(nnsaobSuleurcsPteaal:minmOapbilol(MeccSP.PoaOrl)mgP.mrOinyciil)p(leMs (SSPouOrc)e:Pmripnoccicp.olregs.my)
Another certification is Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) which also n4o3n-
profit organisation comprises of the unites stakeholders from the 7 sectors of the palm
oil industry which are oil palm producers, processor or traders, consumer goods

criteria which to obtain the prosperity in business, protecting environment and people
welfare. The RSPO certification has been recognized internationally who are also

faciIlNitGatEeNthIEeUMRalaysia palm oil industry to penetrate the worldwide market. Figure 13

shows the principles in RSPO certifications.

FigurFe i1g3u: rPerin1c3ip:lePsriinnRcSipPlOesCeirntifRicaStPioOn (SCoeurrctief:ircsaptoi.oonrg)
(source: rspo.org)

internationally and helps the Malaysian palm oil The Oil Palm Tree, http://mpoc.org.my/the-oil-
industry to penetrate the worldwide market. Figure palm-tree/
13 shows the principles of the RSPO certifications.
ht t p s://w w w.t he e dgem ar ke t s .c om/ar t ic le/8 5 -
CONCLUSION malaysias-oil-palm-plantations-mspocertified-
%E2%80%94-mpob
The environment is the most precious property
of the nation and the world. Despite the 13
increased demand for palm oil, and the support
that the business has been receiving from the Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 30 March 2018
Government, awareness in managing the impact p. 13-25 | Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 30
of the business activities on the environment has March 2018 p. 13-25
to be managed properly. The latest technology
in utilising wastes has resulted in a source of https://www.statista.com/statistics/1087612/
energy and products that make the palm oil mature-palm-oil-plantations-size-malaysia/
industry a more sustainable and resilient industry.
Mainstreaming guidelines as legal requirements, ht tp://w w w.salcra.gov.my/en/sustainable -
and the issuance of national and international p l an t a t i o n/p e s t- di s e a s e s - c o n t r o l .
sustainable certifications will help the industry to html#:~:text=The%20major%20pests%20of%20
be long lasting and reliable for years to come. oil,lesser%20extent%2C%20Marasmius%20
bunch%20rot.
REFERENCE
Palm Oil Mill & Processing Handbook, MPOB
J Occup Health 2013; 55: 405–414 | Ergonomics
Observation: Harvesting Tasks at Oil Palm Fermentation Pathway for Palm Oil Mill Effluent,
Plantation | Yee Guan Ng1, Mohd Tamrin Shamsul Andrew Yap Kian Chung* and Fatah Yah Abdul
Bahri1, Md Yusoff Irwan Syah2, Ippei Mori3 and Manaf*, Palm Oil Engineering Bulletin No.109 (Oct
Zailina Hashim1 - Dec 2013) p13 – 23

Environmental Mainstreaming Directive,
https://www.doe.gov.my/portalv1/wp-content/
uploads/2016/06/Environmental-Mainstreaming-
Directive.pdf, DOE Malaysia.

464 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Greening Batik Industries FEATURE
in Malaysia

By Shaliza Ibrahim
Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya

Choong Choe Earn
Formerly at Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Malaya

Traditional batik making

Greening batik industries in Malaysia is Batik is the traditional art of hand-painted or
attainable through the adoption of Cleaner block-printed fabric which is popular particularly
Production (CP) methods which provide in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The
options for reduction in material and energy majority of batik making factories are located in
usage, resource recovery, and good housekeeping Kelantan and Terengganu. Over the last 50 years
practices. Such an approach was successfully batik has grown to become an important cottage
implemented in a small scale home-based industry in Malaysia, contributing significantly to
premise. Batik manufacturers are receptive to the country’s economy. Batik is widely done at
the concept of greening their industry, but need home as cottage or rural industries. There are also
support in various forms, in order to sustain a number of larger enterprises operating as Small
the good practices. Cost effective wastewater and Medium Industries (SMIs).
treatment systems and implementation of
standard operating procedures can impactfully Typical of textile industries, batik making
transform batik manufacturing into a more uses large quantities of water and a wide range
sustainable industry . of organic and inorganic chemical compounds.
The batik wastewater has a high pH, Biochemical

45

INGENIEUR

Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen are fully exercised on the premises and the
Demand (COD), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total returns are monitored and evaluated in terms of
Suspended Solid (TSS), and high color content finance, productivity, environment and company
from the use of dyes and pigments on the fabric. image. Additionally, the estimated Carbon Impact
Appropriate treatment is essential to remediate that can be reduced after implementing CP
the effluents to meet discharge standards, but options on the premises was calculated as a new
due to their sporadic locations it is a challenge to component to assess returns on environment
build centralised wastewater treatment systems impact. A few methods were developed and
for batik premises. As a result, batik effluent is prototypes were fabricated for two techniques
mostly discharged into waterways, public drains which were successfully installed and operated
or estuaries untreated. at two premises to deal with the recalcitrant
wastewater from the process.
Batik production can be seasonal, depending
on demand and the availability of labour force, Based on the information obtained from
mainly coming from household members or the implementation of CP options, an SOP was
villagers in the neighbourhood. A typical home developed for batik entrepreneurs, as a reference
factory set-up can look like makeshift workshops and guide in implementing the CP programme on
where painting, soaking, boiling and washing their respective premises. Finally, promotional
activities are carried out. It is also the place to programmes, namely CP Seminar Roadshow,
store paints, chemicals and solvents, making CP Workshop and Awareness Training for Batik
it look somewhat haphazard in some cases. A Entrepreneurs, were instrumental in educating
CP approach for this industry will contribute to the owners of batik premises. They also visited the
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and demonstration premise to see for themselves the
can potentially increase the global market for CP options that have been implemented, as well
Malaysian batik. This in turn will work favourably as the wastewater treatment system.
towards the continued livelihood of batik makers
who may depend on batik as their main source Batik Making Process
of income. Effluent treatment methods have also
been developed and operated in a few premises. Figure 1 shows a schematic of the batik making
process. Raw materials used are white fabrics
Implementation of the Cleaner of either cotton, rayon or silk jacquard material,
Production Integration Concept wax and resin, dye and sodium silicate. The
premise selected for the demonstration study was
This article refers to a project on CP producing on average 7,500 metres of batik per
implementation at a batik premise, which month. The batik making process starts with the
aims to create a showcase for other premises cutting and washing of the white fabric, at times
to follow. The study began with an audit to using bleach to whiten the fabric further. After
assess the premise, followed by an exercise to drying, the batik design is created on the white
identify and select the best practical options for cloth by either hand painting using a method
improvement. Detailed audits were done on the known as canting, screen printing or block printing
use of raw materials, fuel and utilities, waste and (stamping). The outline of the batik design is
wastewater generation, as well as health and made possible by the use of wax to prevent the
safety levels. Extensive analyses of the audit dye from penetrating the fabric. When the design
findings led to the generation of numerous CP is complete, the color fixing process is done by
options as deemed appropriate for the premise. soaking the fabric in sodium silicate at least
These CP options are then screened according to overnight. The fabric is then allowed to drip dry
their feasibility factors, based on the commitment before being soaked, boiled in a vat, washed and
of the premise and the availability of resources, rinsed a final time. The whole process uses a high
namely the facilities available on the premises volume of water at almost every step, from the
and financial resources. The selected CP options soaking procedure onwards. Energy is required

466 VVOOLL8575JUJLUY-NSEEP2T0EM13BER 2021

Figure 1: Flow chart of batik making process

Cleaner Production Option Benefits to Batik Premise
Concretised floor to replace bare ground Ease of cleaning and collection of chemical spillage
Replaces plastic containers which are easily damaged
Concrete tubs for soaking in sodium silicate leading to leaks
Facilitates recycling of reusable items
Waste separation bins
Proper storage area and containers for raw More organised, less risk of damage to raw materials
materials
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Increased health and safety standards especially in
for workers handling chemicals and the boiling process

Table 1: Examples of CP Options and their benefits

for boiling, and the chemicals used are sodium exposure to solvents and chemicals, lack of proper
silicate, solvents and dyes. organisation of premise which could potentially
pose a hazard to workers and residents. Cleaner
Recommendations for Cleaner Production production options were generated based on:
Options
1) use of raw materials;
The main concerns identified from the CP audit 2) usage of utilities (electricity, fuel, water);
were the usage of raw materials and resources, 3) premise environment; and
discharge of untreated effluent which can amount 4) storage of raw materials and product.
to 5m3 per day per premise depending on the scale Numerous CP options were generated and the
of operation, potential health and safety risks from effects were evaluated for savings on materials
(including those discarded in effluent), electricity
and heat, increase in productivity and reduction

47