A Tawhidic approach to sustaining household Separation at Source (SAS) practices in Malaysia

Mhd. Sarif, Suhaimi (2026) A Tawhidic approach to sustaining household Separation at Source (SAS) practices in Malaysia. Journal of Islamic Management Studies, 9 (2). pp. 76-91. E-ISSN 2600-7126

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Abstract

Household Separation at Source (SAS) is a critical component of sustainable solid waste management and the transition towards a circular economy in Malaysia. Despite mandatory implementation under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672), sustained household participation remains inconsistent, suggesting that legal enforcement alone is insufficient to promote long-term behavioural change. This study explores the views and experiences of households, Joint Management Committees (JMCs), and Residents' Associations regarding SAS implementation and examines how a Tawhidic approach may strengthen sustainable household waste separation beyond conventional regulatory mechanisms. A qualitative exploratory design employing sixteen Focus Group Discussions involving 112 participants was conducted across all Malaysian states and Federal Territories between September 2025 and March 2026. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. The findings reveal that although awareness of SAS is generally high, consistent practice remains constrained by convenience, inadequate infrastructure, habitual disposal behaviour, and reliance on external enforcement. Participants further emphasised that community leadership positively influences participation but cannot sustain behavioural change without stronger intrinsic motivation. Importantly, respondents perceived Tawhidic values as powerful internal drivers for environmental stewardship. The study proposes integrating Tawhidic principles with existing waste management policies to cultivate voluntary, sincere, and sustainable household participation while advancing Malaysia's circular economy and Islamic environmental stewardship.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Separation at Source (SAS), Tawhidic Approach, Sustainable Waste Management
Subjects:	BPG Islamic geography > BPG113 Environmental ethics/responsibility. Sustainable living. BPH Islamic Economics > BPH830.3 Social systems. Urban groups. Cities and towns. Sustainable urban development BPL Islamic education > BPL27 Aims and objectives of education. Sustainable education H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business. Business Administration > HF5387 Business ethics H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business. Business Administration > HF5549 Personnel management
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Dr Suhaimi Mhd Sarif
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2026 14:23
Last Update:	03 Sep 2026 14:23
Queue Number:	2026-08-Q4982
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131091

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