KOTA SAMARAHAN, April 1 — The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry will review the related laws to address plastic pollution in the country, said its minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The existing laws are considered ‘fragmented laws’, whose implementation depends on the local authorities according to the locality’s suitability and context.
“So, based on that, we are looking at how, on a global scale, through a plastic agreement (in terms of managing policy), we see how the Federal government can also enact legislation to address this plastic pollution problem.
“How we can make the use of plastics more sustainable, whether by reducing single-use plastic, biodegradable plastics made from organic materials, or other alternatives to replace plastic usage,” he said.
Nazmi was speaking to the press after the dialogue session, ‘Pathways to Plastic Neutrality: Collaborative Action and Innovative Solution’, organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Yayasan Hijau Malaysia today.
He described the efforts to address plastic pollution as not very effective, and despite various efforts made, the problem remains a major issue in Malaysia.
“We know that the quantity of plastics in our rivers and oceans contributes to our floods and the prevalence of microplastics in our food chain. So, I think this is where we are relooking at our existing policies.
“Now, several states have imposed charges on plastic usage, but it is not widespread, and one of the big challenges in Malaysia is the informal sector, for example, in Ramadan bazaars or night markets, where plastic usage is still widespread,” Nazmi said.
— Bernama
