KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 - Better guidelines to manage the nation's solar panel waste are expected to be ready by next year, said Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

He said the guidelines would be developed based on existing regulations and the latest technological advancements.

"This process has already started and we hope that these guidelines will be ready by next year, God willing, as a reference for the industry."

"Based on existing technology, we will look at new ways to manage this waste," he said during a question and answer session at the National Assembly today.

He said this when responding to a question from Senator Noorita Sual who wanted to know the latest policy on the disposal and recycling of solar panel waste and the latest steps taken by the ministry to overcome the problem.

He said that so far the Department of Environment has licensed 17 facilities to recover solar panel waste in the country which consists of four facilities in Selangor, Penang (seven), two each in Negeri Sembilan and Johor and one each in Perak and Sarawak.

Nik Nazmi said that the facility is capable of recovering solar panel waste to produce high-value metals including cadmium and selenium.

He said the ministry is committed to promote and encourage the concept of a circular economy through various reuse initiatives to address global challenges such as environmental pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change.

"Among the things we want to bring is the principle of what is called 'buyback' or a specific and centralised collection and recovery center for solar panels and also the condition of 'extended product responsibility' because we know the challenges in managing this solar panel waste.

"Therefore, the solar panel manufacturers have a responsibility to manage solar waste properly. This is also a good principle that is being seen for example in the management of plastic waste and other matters," he said. - BERNAMA