GEORGE TOWN, November 26 — The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has called on the Malaysian government to adopt a more ambitious approach at the upcoming Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1. With global plastic production forecasted to triple by 2050, CAP highlights the urgent need for regulatory interventions to scale down plastic production and eliminate hazardous chemicals.
The organization warns against relying on misleading narratives of recycling and circularity, emphasizing that the root issue lies in unchecked production and inadequate management of plastics throughout their lifecycle. CAP has proposed key measures for the treaty, including mandatory global control mechanisms to reduce plastic production, robust regulation of chemicals, and transparent reporting across the full plastic lifecycle.
The association also stressed the importance of avoiding greenwashing tactics, enforcing ambitious reuse and refill targets, and addressing hotspots of existing plastic pollution. CAP President Mohideen Abdul Kader urged Malaysia to support these measures and prioritize health and environmental protections, adding that a strong treaty is crucial to reversing the plastic crisis and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
