KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 – The Malaysian government is considering the introduction of dedicated legislation to tackle plastic disposal and pollution, which remains a significant environmental issue. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad highlighted the need for specific laws due to the current framework’s gaps. Nik Nazmi noted that while states like Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor are making swift progress, a national approach is necessary to address plastic pollution comprehensively.
The push for new legislation comes in response to a study ranking Malaysia highest among 109 countries in microplastic consumption, with Malaysians consuming an average of 502.3mg of microplastics daily per capita. The ministry is working with various stakeholders, including the Economy Ministry, NGOs, and academicians, to develop a robust legal framework to phase out single-use plastics, increase recycling rates, and combat plastic pollution effectively.
