National Cleanliness Policy 2019.

This National Cleanliness Policy is a comprehensive, multisectoral initiative designed to transform Malaysia into a clean nation and cultivate a society that prioritizes cleanliness. This policy aims to ensure the well-being of its citizens and the long-term sustainability of the environment. Achieving developed nation status is intrinsically linked to a high level of cleanliness. A strong commitment to a culture of cleanliness not only elevates hygiene standards but also significantly contributes to economic prosperity. For instance, efficient waste management practices can fuel the recycling industry, presenting a new economic frontier for businesses and stimulating a circular economy. The main objectives of this Policy are (i) enhance awareness and adopt the practice of cleanliness in the community; (ii) enhance cleanliness of the surroundings and sustainability of the environment; (iii) encourage waste to money initiatives towards circular economy; (iv) reinforce governance and enforcement for greater efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity.
The policy will be implemented through 5 key clusters, with a total of 14 strategies and 91 action plans designed to achieve its stated objectives (1) Awareness of Cleanliness: This cluster emphasizes that maintaining environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility, not solely the government's. Society's continuous commitment, cultivated from a young age, is crucial for embedding cleanliness as a cultural norm; (2) Environmental Sustainability: This cluster highlights the crucial need for environmental sustainability to keep pace with national development. It underscores that maintaining cleanliness - from personal habits to public spaces and various premises - is a universal responsibility, ensuring a healthy environment for future generations; (3) Circular Economy: To achieve a clean Malaysia, national economic development must align with environmental sustainability. This cluster focuses on transitioning all industrial sectors from a linear to a circular economy, which minimizes waste, maximizes resource use, and reduces carbon emissions, thereby fostering a greener economy; (4) Governance and Enforcement: This cluster aims to enhance governance by improving government delivery systems and strengthening integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness. Robust cooperation among federal, state, and relevant agencies is crucial for efficient governance and enforcement, leading to higher cleanliness standards and increased social awareness; (5) Quality and Skilled Human Capital: This cluster recognizes that developing knowledgeable and skilled human capital is fundamental to sustained national economic growth and improving cleanliness services in Malaysia. Fostering a positive image and strong work ethic among cleanliness sector workers will cultivate a high-quality workforce.