Are Malaysians Truly Embracing Sustainability at Home?
In the age of digitalisation, Malaysians have greater access to environmental awareness than ever before. Yet, sustainability practices are still a work in progress.
While Malaysia has set an ambitious goal to reach net-zero by 2050, what about the everyday Malaysian? Are we truly making a difference in our own homes? Do we practice proper waste management at home? Do we consciously conserve water?
As part of an employer project between Sunview and INTI students, we took to the streets to understand how everyday Malaysians perceive and practice sustainability — particularly waste management and water conservation at home.
Waste Management: Awareness vs. Action
The good news? Many Malaysians within the ages of 17-30 understand the importance of sorting waste. The not-so-good news? Only 42.9% do it occasionally — often influenced by circumstances such as visible signs or convenience. This highlights a crucial gap: awareness doesn't always translate into action.
When asked about its importance, respondents agreed that proper waste management contributes to a better future, yet current government-led waste education is mostly confined to school curriculums.
What needs to change?
Interviewees suggested expanding sustainability education beyond schools to include working adults and communities. Additionally, they highlighted a need for more accessible recycling facilities near residential areas to encourage participation, after all, many Malaysians are willing to recycle — they just need the means to do so.
Water Conservation: A Cultural Habit
Waste management, water conservation seems to be more deeply ingrained in Malaysian households. According to our survey, half of Malaysian homes actively conserve water. However, this habit is not necessarily influenced by media awareness, but stem from cultural upbringing.
25% of respondents mentioned using a bucket for bathing or taking shorter showers as their main water-saving methods. Many admitted to wasting more water as children but developed conservation habits in their teenage years. Why? Because the older generation remembers a time when water wasn’t always abundant.
For these Malaysians, water conservation isn’t just a trend — it’s a necessity. Their experiences with water scarcity instilled habits that they now pass down to their children.
Are Malaysians on the Right Track?
While water conservation is practiced distinctively, waste management remains a challenge due to limited education and infrastructure. Strengthening awareness programs and improving recycling facilities could help bridge this gap. But here’s the truth: Sustainability isn’t just about awareness — it’s about action. As Malaysia continues to develop, sustainability must be a shared effort — one that involves individuals, communities, and policymakers working together for a greener future.
Start the Journey With Sustainability for Your Home
Going green can feel like a lot, but every small step counts. If you’re looking for a practical and impactful change, why not start with solar energy? When you adopt a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for your home with solutions like SunVast, you can:
- Enjoy up to 90% savings on your electricity bill
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Small Changes, Big Impact.
From what we’ve learnt, waste management remains an area for improvement in Malaysian households, largely due to gaps in education and infrastructure. Meanwhile, water conservation is already deeply embedded in many homes, passed down from past generations.
The future of sustainability in Malaysia depends on action — not just intention. By making small, consistent changes, every household can contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow. Are you ready to start? Advance your solar journey today!
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Editor’s note: The article was co-contributed by the students of INTI and is part of an Employer Project between Sunview & INTI International College Subang. The contents have been edited to align with the professional editorial standards of Sunview. The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Sunview.
Co-contributed by Students of INTI:
● Shrrinelaxmmi A/P Simon Raj
● Ian Teo Chen Hui
● Nami Ohyama
● Wan Kyin Shin
● Kishokmaran
Lecturer: En. Faizul Azhar, Lecturer
Pre-University, INTI International College Subang
Edited by: Sunview’s editorial team
For more information on adopting sustainability with solar solutions, visit Sunview’s website here today.
