Strategic actions and policy recommendations

Background

Malaysia’s plastic waste crisis exists from both domestic consumption as well as imported plastic waste (both legal and illegal). Malaysia is a significant player in plastic manufacturing, with 1,300 plastics manufacturers reported in 2018. In 2019, Malaysia was among the countries with the highest rate of mismanaged waste per capita in the world.

Domestic waste management infrastructure in Malaysia is already overwhelmed even without importing additional plastic waste. Plastic waste imports have further strained the already excessive plastic consumption in Malaysia, and have led to environmental degradation and health issues for local communities.

Residents near open burning sites, for example in Jenjarom, Pulau Indah and Kuala Langat, are exposed to air pollution that causes respiratory problems, as well as to toxic chemicals from plastic that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, harm reproductive health, and can cause heavy metal poisoning. Toxic run-off from dumpsites can also affect local communities. Many recycling operations have been found violating environmental regulations, burning or improperly disposing of waste, with no regard for the health or environmental cost Malaysians are paying for their activities.

Key Concerns

While it’s an important step that the government has acknowledged the need to take action regarding the plastics crisis, the current plans fall short and are not ambitious enough to bring about the necessary solutions to address Malaysia’s plastic waste crisis. Below are some of the concerns with these plans which are preventing Malaysia from making progress towards true circularity and plastic waste reduction.