Putrajaya: Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (Alam Flora), a subsidiary of Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff), is committed to expanding its vision to lead Malaysia's transformation towards a sustainable circular economy, in line with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Development's (KPKT) Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste (2025-2035).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the blueprint, launched in 2024, outlines a framework for transitioning to a circular economy based on five strategic pillars: governance and legislation, guidelines and procedures, data collection systems, infrastructure development, and promoting waste-based industries. The goal is to reduce waste, boost the economy, and minimize environmental impact through stakeholder collaboration and new policies introduced.
Alam Flora's chief executive officer, Shariman Yusuf Mohamed Zain, highlighted the company's commitment, which translates into several key initiatives, including the development of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) through the Fasiliti Inovasi Kitar Semula (FIKS) in Putrajaya. Other initiatives include the Recovery Initiative Sustainable Eco Facility (RISE) in Kuala Lumpur, the upcoming Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant project in Sungai Udang, Melaka, and the expansion of scheduled hazardous waste management projects.
Shariman Yusuf stated that Alam Flora's initiatives align with KPKT's Blueprint Ekonomi Kitaran Sisa and support the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13), which aims to modernize public cleansing services through smart technologies, improved efficiency, and stronger community engagement. The WtE project is expected to process 1,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, generate 22 megawatts of electricity, and reduce over 259,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Alam Flora is also pursuing food waste treatment for compost, animal feed, and biomethane, as well as used cooking oil recycling and 3R expansion programs. An in-house recycling app, Recyclink, has been developed to encourage public participation in recycling with incentives such as Touch 'n Go credits and Mesra points.
Operationally, Alam Flora is embracing mechanization and smart technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs) and automated cleaning machines. The Glutton Electric Litter Picker covers 30 percent more ground than manual picking sweepers. Trials are underway for solar-powered EV road sweepers, compactors, motorcycles, and tricycles to reduce the carbon footprint and improve crew mobility. Night operations are being tested to increase productivity, ease traffic, and reduce reliance on foreign labor.
Collaboration with the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) is central to these modernization efforts. This partnership enhances Alam Flora's initiatives to improve public cleansing services and implement smart waste management technologies.
With over 25 years of experience, Alam Flora continues to strengthen its engagement with state governments, exploring service expansion into non-concession states, and collaborating with federal and state agencies on sustainable initiatives such as WtE, material recovery, and circular economy projects.
Regionally, Alam Flora is exploring partnerships in Southeast Asia, particularly within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and markets like Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, to position itself as a regional player in environmental services.
Alam Flora is entering the Facilities Management (FM) sector through its subsidiary, Genesis Facilities Solutions, to complement its core business. This includes servicing government buildings, commercial properties, industrial zones, and data centers with smart FM solutions powered by IoT, AI, and drones. Energy performance contracts (EPC) and ESG-compliant systems have already been deployed at sites such as Senai Airport and Wisma DRB-Hicom.
Strategic partnerships are central to Alam Flora's growth, with collaborations with government-linked companies and private corporations enabling expansion into new areas and enhancing services in smart waste solutions, recycling innovation, and circular economy initiatives.
Community engagement remains a priority for Alam Flora, with initiatives like FIKS Putrajaya and the '3R on Wheels' program promoting recycling education and outreach. FIKS serves as a one-stop hub with a 3R boutique and buy-back centers, welcoming diverse groups including students, NGOs, and officials. These efforts, supported by digital campaigns, aim to foster a culture of sustainability.
By 2030, Alam Flora aspires to be a fully-integrated environmental solutions provider across Southeast Asia, anchored on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. It is committed to managing 10,000 tonnes of waste daily by 2031 through integrated and sustainable strategies.
These initiatives coincide with Malakoff's 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of sustainability. They reflect Malakoff's purpose of 'Enhancing Life, Enriching Communities,' which continues to guide its environmental and social efforts nationwide.