PUTRAJAYA: Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the amount of clinical waste produced in 2020 grew by 18.1% to 39,900 tonnes from 33,800 tonnes in 2019.

       According to the Environment Statistics 2021 report, Selangor generated the most clinical waste in the year with 9,700 tonnes, followed by Sarawak (4,100 tonnes) and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (4,100 tonnes).

       “The management of clinical waste was faced with a challenging task to handle disposed Covid-19 test equipment in health facilities and quarantine centres,” said chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin in a statement in response to the report, according to Bernama.

       The report displayed environmental statistics for 14 states covering six components, namely Environmental Conditions and Quality; Environmental Resources and Their Use; Residuals; Extreme Events and Disasters; Human Settlements and Environmental Health; and Environmental Protection, Management and Engagement.