Construction begins on Johor’s advanced waste treatment project

JOHOR BAHRU (Feb 6): The Johor Integrated Scheduled Wastehub Project, developed by Wuhan City Environmental Protection Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd (CCEPC), has officially entered its construction phase following a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening Johor’s environmental infrastructure and advancing Malaysia’s sustainable waste management capabilities.

The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and attended by Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Datuk Lukman Abu Bakar alongside government representatives, industry stakeholders and project partners.

Implemented under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning model, the project is positioned to become one of the largest and most technologically advanced scheduled waste treatment centres in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Strategically located in Kota Tinggi, the facility represents a major investment in sustainable development and underscores Johor’s commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental protection.

CCEPC Chairman Weng Limin said the Johor project holds particular strategic significance for the company, as it represents its first overseas hazardous waste treatment facility.

“The successful implementation of this project marks a substantive breakthrough in our internationalisation and localisation strategy. It is a key milestone in our expansion into overseas environmental markets and lays a solid foundation for future growth across Southeast Asia and beyond,” he said in an interview.

Weng noted that the large-scale hazardous waste treatment centre will also address long-standing challenges associated with off-site transportation and landfill dependency.

“Once completed, the project will fundamentally transform scheduled waste management in southern Malaysia by significantly reducing reliance on long-distance transport and landfill disposal. It will strengthen regional environmental governance, enhance safety and efficiency, and support more sustainable industrial development.”

According to Weng, the project reflects the company’s long-standing development philosophy, which is anchored in advanced design, research and development, proprietary technologies and strong management capabilities.

“This project adopts a systematic approach to hazardous waste management by delivering high-standard, fully compliant treatment facilities that reduce environmental and safety risks at the source,” he said.

He added that the facility was designed as a demonstrative model for the deployment of high-standard environmental solutions overseas, with strong potential for replication and scalability across other international markets.

“The project strictly adheres to Malaysia’s environmental laws, regulations and technical standards. Through standardised and centralised hazardous waste treatment, it effectively reduces risks to the environment and public health, directly supporting Malaysia’s broader sustainable development objectives,” Weng said.

Circular economy principles are embedded throughout the design and operational framework of the wastehub, with a strong emphasis on waste reduction, harmless treatment and resource recovery.

“This approach enhances recycling and reuse rates, reduces reliance on landfill disposal and promotes more efficient utilisation of resources. By strengthening regional environmental infrastructure, the project supports green industrial transformation and balanced economic growth in line with Malaysia’s long-term commitment to low-carbon development,” he said.

Once completed in 2027, the Johor Integrated Scheduled Wastehub Project will feature a comprehensive suite of treatment facilities.

These include a Thermal Treatment Plant with a capacity of 100 tonnes per day using rotary kiln incineration technology, a Physical and Chemical Treatment Plant capable of handling 24 tonnes per day, a Solidification Plant with a capacity of 33 tonnes per day, an Oil Distillation Recovery Plant processing up to 100 tonnes per day, and a Solvent Recovery Plant with a capacity of 145 tonnes per day.

Supporting infrastructure will include a secure landfill with a total capacity of 3.76 million cubic metres, a warehouse capable of storing up to 4,000 tonnes of material, and a water treatment system designed to manage surface water at 250 cubic metres per day, effluent at 300 cubic metres per day and leachate at 150 cubic metres per day.

Together, these components enable closed-loop management and resource recovery across the entire scheduled waste treatment cycle.

The project incorporates internationally leading flue gas purification and leachate treatment technologies to ensure emissions and discharges meet the highest environmental benchmarks throughout its operational life.

Through close collaboration with local partners, the Johor Integrated Scheduled Wastehub will comply fully with Malaysian environmental regulations while actively integrating into the local supply chain and employment market.

Upon completion, the facility is expected to significantly enhance scheduled waste treatment capacity for Johor and surrounding regions, reducing environmental pollution risks and supporting the sustainable development of key industries such as petrochemicals, electronics and manufacturing.

CCEPC Malaysia General Manager Lyu Xiaofeng said the company’s Malaysian operations serve as the group’s strategic bridgehead in Southeast Asia.

“CCEPC Malaysia is responsible for advancing the group’s regional market presence. Through a strong localised team and professional management, we are deeply integrated into the Malaysian market, with a clear understanding of local regulations, industry dynamics and client needs,” he said.

Lyu explained that the company provides full life-cycle services spanning project planning, engineering design, equipment supply, construction and operational management.

“By combining the group’s advanced technologies and management expertise with local conditions, we ensure projects are delivered to high standards, operate reliably and achieve long-term sustainable outcomes,” he said.

He added that CCEPC’s capabilities cover a wide range of core sectors, including clean and efficient energy utilisation, air pollution control, wastewater and sludge treatment, solid waste management, environmental remediation, renewable energy and digital solutions.

“Our innovation strength is supported by shared research and development platforms and integrated innovation mechanisms that enhance our resilience and core competitiveness,” Lyu said.

“Most importantly, our strong localisation capability allows us to adapt advanced technologies and engineering expertise to Malaysia’s specific regulatory, industrial and operational context, ensuring efficient implementation and sustainable operation of large-scale environmental infrastructure and hazardous waste treatment projects.”