The Problem with Plastic

Our planet can no longer tolerate the culture of throwaway plastics. Single-use plastics (SUPs), derived from fossil fuels, pollute at every stage of their lifecycle. In Malaysia, SUPs fill landfills, choke rivers, and contaminate oceans. It’s time to act on real solutions to end this crisis.

End the Age of Plastic

139 million

tonnes of single-use plastic (SUP) was generated worldwide in 2021.

Source: Minderoo Foundation

1.10 million

tonnes in average amount of plastic disposed each year in Malaysia.

Source: World Bank Group

RM31 billion

contributed by the plastic industry to Malaysia’s national economy in 2018.

Source: World Bank Group

The dangers of plastic

Plastic pollution is a pervasive threat, infiltrating our air, water, and food. Microplastics have been found in our bloodstreams, posing serious health risks. Corporations promote false solutions while continuing to produce vast amounts of plastic. The most affected are the marginalised communities, bearing the brunt of pollution and health impacts.

Understand the issues better

Sofía Gómez, Influencer and Freediver. © Diana Rey Melo / Greenpeace
After the Galapagos Leg for research activities, the Arctic Sunrise arrived for the first time in the Colombian Pacific as a part of the Global Plastic Campaign. The call is to protect our ocean from plastic pollution, having a strong plastic treaty and reduce at least 75% of the plastic production. The ship tour headed to Malpelo Island Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (declared Natural Heritage by UNESCO). There, we will document ecosystem importance of Malpelo Island as part of the migration corridor in the Pacific. Along with Fundación Malpelo and the Colombian influencer and freediver Sofía Gómez, we are going to document and denounce the threats that threaten our sea, especially plastic pollution. We will support the approval of the Global Plastics Treaty and highlight the conservation value of the Colombian Pacific and its seamounts and the need to increase marine protected areas in this country. © Diana Rey Melo / Greenpeace
Global Plastics Treaty
Greenpeace Malaysia has been conducting a field investigation on the broken system of recycling and how it impacts Malaysian society. The findings were shocking: a new ‘dump site’ of plastic waste from more than 19 countries — most of them are developed countries. The investigation found illegal practices, and blatant violations causing environmental pollution as well as harming people’s health conditions. Since China banned plastic waste imports in January 2018, countries in Southeast Asia – particularly Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia – have accepted an increased amount of plastic waste. Between January and July 2018 alone, Malaysia imported 754,000 metric tonnes of plastic — the weight of approximately 100,000 large elephants. It came from countries like the United States, Japan, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Plastic Waste Trade
Haze and Human Rights Activity in Malaysia. © Darshen Chelliah / Greenpeace
Ahead of the 2021 International Human Rights Day, a broad alliance of civil society organisations led by Greenpeace Malaysia and local NGO CERAH Anti-Haze Action file a pioneering complaint at the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) in Kuala Lumpur as a proactive countermeasure to address the chronic and persistent haze pollution. Representatives from the coalition joined Greenpeace Malaysia volunteers for an offline action in front of the Human Rights Commission building to demand for the recognition of clean, haze-free air as a basic human right.
© Darshen Chelliah / Greenpeace
Our Work with Allies

What we do

We are taking bold steps to tackle the plastic crisis in Malaysia. Through grassroots activism, policy advocacy, and public awareness campaigns, we’re holding corporations accountable and pushing for sustainable alternatives. Join us in demanding stronger regulations and supporting the Global Plastics Treaty for a healthier, plastic-free future.

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Together we are part of a growing, global movement determined to bring about the changes our planet desperately needs.