KUALA LUMPUR – Clinical waste, such as disposable plastics, insulation gowns and rubber gloves, has increased by 111.94% compared with December 2019, before Covid-19 arrived in the country.
Deputy Environment and Water Minister Datuk Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad in a statement today said the volume of clinical waste will increase to 173.25 tonnes per month within the next 12 months if the pandemic continues.
“This is considered a significant figure that can threaten the Earth’s greenery and environmental sustainability if not managed properly.”
He said so far, 12 incinerators, four microwaves and one ozonator have been licensed nationwide to manage the SW 404 scheduled waste, with a total capacity of 5,168.05 tonnes, adding that these are still able to accommodate the current clinical waste generation of 4,394.37 tonnes.
He said the ministry welcomes private health facilities interested in managing clinical waste to contact the ministry or department.
To date, the disposal capacity and operating hours at clinical material disposal plants have been extended to accommodate the increase, Masrizal added.
He said the ministry is aware of the increase in waste in areas subjected to the enhanced movement control order, adding that it requires a more thorough and organised waste management to prevent secondary infection among staff.
He also said clinical waste will continue to increase if more people are infected with Covid-19, therefore the community must stay at home to prevent its spread. – Bernama, June 5, 2021
