Guinness World Record recycling machine will help cut nation's carbon footprint, says Nik Nazmi
The Atlas ECOPOD will hopefully also reduce the use of new plastic materials, said the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister.
'This is not just a Malaysian corporate achievement, but will support the national initiative to increase recycling, reduce our carbon footprint and transition to a circular and green economy,' said Nik Nazmi, when launching the ECOPOD, which was developed by local firm Atlas Vending.
This initiative could also help the country meet its targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing recycling and reducing the demand for the production of new plastic materials, Nik Nazmi said.
'Malaysia produces more than 1 million tonnes of plastic waste a year and of that, only a fraction is recycled. I believe that the ECOPOD could help our national goal of cutting down on that waste,' Nik Nazmi said when launching the machine at his ministry, here Thursday (May 8).
The 35cmm-wide machine is expected to sit next to the 7,000 existing vending machines operated by Atlas Vending, says Etika Group of Companies CEO Santharuban Thurai Sundaram.
The Etika Group of Companies owns Atlas Vending, which is recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest food and beverage vending machine operator across Malaysia and Singapore.
These vending machines sell 16 brands of the most popular juices, sodas and waters nationwide, said Santharuban.
Consumers will be able to earn credits by feeding the ECOPOD empty plastic bottles and aluminium cans from beverages bought at any Atlas Vending machine.
'These credits can then be redeemed and used at the vending machine for buying beverages'.
In the initial rollout, the company plans to install 100 ECOPODS next to its vending machines nationwide, especially in high traffic areas such as transport hubs, malls and universities.
Today's launch ceremony also saw the Guinness Book of World Records recognising the ECOPOD for being the 'Thinnest Reverse Vending Machine with a Compaction System'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Malaysia timber trade hits RM9.95 bln in Q1 2025, eyes RM4 bln furniture exports by 2030
Zainal (seated centre) joins members of the newly installed SFIA 2025-2028 committee for a group photo. KUCHING (July 20): Malaysia's total trade value for timber and timber products, including exports and imports, reached RM9.95 billion in the first four months of this year, said Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah. He said exports contributed RM7.18 billion, signifying a strong demand for Malaysian timber products, while imports stood at RM2.767 billion, reflecting healthy domestic use and a well-connected supply chain. Wooden furniture took the lead in exports, bringing in RM3 billion, followed by plywood (RM742.5 million), sawn timber (RM582.5 million), and fibreboard (RM210 million). 'Last year, our timber exports reached RM22.9 billion, a solid 4.9 per cent increase from the previous year. This steady growth shows how resilient and adaptable our industry truly is,' Zainal said during the Sarawak Furniture Industry Association's (SFIA) 17th committee installation dinner held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Friday. He said Sarawak's timber export earnings reached RM2.84 billion last year, a slight decrease from RM3.14 billion in 2023. 'More than numbers, these achievements underscore the timber industry's important role not only in driving Malaysia's economy but also in creating jobs and supporting communities, especially in rural areas,' he said. According to Zainal, innovation in design remains vital as Sarawak adapts to changing market trends, while efforts to expand market access through trade fairs and export programmes are opening doors worldwide. However, he pointed out that material shortages are a significant hurdle, with Malaysia importing up to 60 per cent of its raw materials like timber, hardware, and fabrics. 'Sarawak, despite its rich timber resources, often exports raw wood rather than finished products, limiting value-added opportunities. 'In addition, our industry relies heavily on foreign workers, which affects skills retention and innovation. Locally, there is a shortage of skilled craftsmen and designers, which slows productivity and the adoption of new technologies,' he added. Zainal also said Sarawak faces competition from emerging markets, such as China and Vietnam, while limited access to advanced technology and a small domestic market restrict growth. He added that environmental regulations and concerns about deforestation add further complexity, requiring sustainable practices that can be costly and difficult to implement. 'Despite these challenges, there is great potential for Sarawak's furniture industry, which can carve out a stronger position in the global market by investing in skills development, innovation, and sustainable practices,' he emphasised. On STIDC, Zainal said a comprehensive Furniture Industry Blueprint has been developed to map out a clear, strategic pathway for the sector's growth, encompassing product development, supply chain strengthening, and market expansion. 'In collaboration with the SFIA, STIDC is actively compiling a detailed database of member companies and their offerings, which will serve as a foundation for this blueprint. 'Through joint brainstorming sessions, we aim to establish a robust and integrated supply chain that supports our ambition to achieve RM4 billion in furniture export revenue by 2030,' he added. Meanwhile, SFIA president Leo Chiang said the furniture industry in Sarawak is facing an increasingly complex landscape, shaped by global and local shifts. 'Challenges – including the US tariffs affecting exports, Malaysia's expanded SST (Sales and Services Tax) raising operational costs, and the introduction of FWTA (Foreign Workers Transformation Approach) in Sarawak – add intense pressure and demand closer collaboration with stakeholders. 'Now, more than ever, we must work together to stay resilient and competitive,' he stressed. Chiang also said they look forward to even closer cooperation with STIDC in shaping policies, facilitating training, supporting innovation, and promoting Sarawak-made furniture on the global stage. 'We must also remain committed to developing our SMEs (small and medium enterprises), uplifting design capabilities, embracing sustainable practices, and grooming the next generation of industry players,' he added. *Editor's note: This article has been amended for accuracy. lead stidc timber trade Zainal Abidin Abdullah
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Bursa Malaysia likely to maintain upward bias next week
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia is likely to maintain its upward bias next week, building on the renewed buying interest seen over the past two sessions, said UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan. He foresees the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) trading within the 1,540-1,550 range, potentially retesting levels recorded prior to the deadline of the reciprocal tariff deferral. "While (the United States) President Donald Trump's administration has yet to announce any formal amendments to Malaysia's tariff arrangement, the precedent set by recent favourable outcomes for Indonesia and Vietnam lends credence to the prospect of Malaysia's 25 per cent tariff being reviewed," he told Bernama. Furthermore, he said the stronger-than-expected second-quarter gross domestic product figure should offer a constructive backdrop for market sentiment in the week ahead. "In our assessment, the combination of resilient domestic growth and compelling equity valuations, particularly within a selectively risk-on environment is likely to continue attracting foreign investor interest into the Malaysian market," he added. According to the Statistics Department Malaysia (DoSM), Malaysia's economy is forecast to grow by 4.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q 2025) based on advance gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, slightly outpacing the previous quarter's 4.4 per cent. Growth is expected to be driven by robust domestic demand amid global headwinds. For the week just ended, the benchmark index fell 10.21 points to 1,525.86 from 1,536.07 a week earlier. The FBM Emas Index declined 63.75 points to 11,479.83, the FBMT 100 Index dropped 67.05 points to 11,241.69, the FBM Emas Shariah Index slid 14.60 points to 11,537.87, the FBM 70 Index shed 63.63 points to 16,697.72, while the FBM ACE Index rose 133.62 points to 4,671.79. By sector, the Financial Services Index dipped 253.30 points to 17,354.83, the Plantation Index reduced 8.56 points to 7,441.89 and the Energy Index went up 1.51 points to 739.13. Weekly turnover narrowed to 15.53 billion units worth RM11.77 billion from 16.21 billion units worth RM11.43 billion in the previous week. Main Market volume fell to 6.73 billion units valued at RM10.07 billion, compared with 6.99 billion units valued at RM10.02 billion previously. Warrant turnover depreciated to 6.83 billion units worth RM966.72 million from 7.82 billion units worth RM911.38 million a week earlier. ACE Market volume widened to 1.97 billion units valued at RM729.96 million versus 1.41 billion units valued at RM490.78 million previously.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Celebrating M'sian leadership
Icons of change: (From left) Yasmin, Idris and Chia are honoured for outstanding contributions in their fields. SUCCESSFUL leaders often bring inspiration that cultivates a sense of purpose in the young. At a recent graduation ceremony held by Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) for its 2025 graduating class, three distinguished Malaysian leaders were conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University. Datuk Seri Idris Jala, chairman of Pemandu Associates, was honoured for his visionary leadership in driving Malaysia's socio-economic reforms and for pioneering the Big Fast Results (BFR) approach to national transformation. Datuk Yvonne Chia, the independent non-executive chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, was honoured for her extraordinary contributions to Malaysia's financial sector and beyond. Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, a leading digital strategist and former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, was honoured for her exceptional leadership in shaping Malaysia's digital economy and for her pivotal role in advancing digital transformation in both Malaysia and the wider Asean region. These individuals continue to shape the future of business, governance and digital innovation in the country and beyond, according to a press release. HWUM provost and CEO Prof Mushtak Al-Atabi said the honorary graduates' remarkable achievements serve as a powerful source of inspiration. 'Their leadership exemplifies the very principles that guide our university: empowering individuals to lead with purpose, drive societal progress, and shape the future,' he said. He also congratulated the graduating students from multiple disciplines who received their degrees from the university's pro-chancellor, Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David, at the ceremony held in a hotel in Putrajaya on July 14. 'We are committed to nurturing purpose-driven leaders who are not only academically accomplished but also driven to create lasting, meaningful impact in business, technology and society, both in Malaysia and beyond. 'As we celebrate the success of our graduates, we are reminded of the transformative power of education and the impact our alumni will have across these sectors,' Prof Mushtak said. Addressing the students, Nicol said education is the bedrock of shared understanding and sustainable progress. 'It equips us with the tools to create a future where knowledge and collaboration allow us to overcome any obstacle. 'Today, we celebrate your extraordinary achievements, and I eagerly anticipate the incredible contributions you will make in the years to come,' she said.
