Clinical waste up 96% since onset of Covid-19, says environment ministry

Malaysia’s monthly disposal of clinical waste reached a peak of 4,080 metric tonnes in January, Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said today, an increase of 96% since the first recorded case of Covid-19 in December 2019.

Speaking at the launch of the Green Vaccination Programme today, he said only 2,084 metric tonnes of clinical waste was produced in 2019.

He added that the country is expected to produce an additional 2,100 metric tonnes of waste throughout the 12 months of the national immunisation programme.

“Since the first transmission of Covid-19 in Malaysia in December 2019, there has been an increase in monthly clinical waste produced, reaching up to 96%,” he said.

“The implementation of the national immunisation programme which began on Feb 24 this year will add to the clinical waste produced in the country.”

The event, which was also attended by Health Minister Dr Adham Baba and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, also saw the launch of an official handbook for the programme which includes an eco-friendly procedure for the disposal of clinical waste at health facilities.

“I hope this handbook will give a guideline for health facilities to ensure environmental sustainability in our battle to fight the spread of Covid-19,” Tuan Ibrahim said.