Malaysia's role in the global effort in the war against plastic

The Star

13 hours ago

As we approach World Ocean Day 2025, the theme 'Confronting the Escalating Plastic Waste Crisis' resonates deeply with the global community.
Malaysia, a significant player in the plastic waste narrative, finds itself at the crossroads of being both a producer and a recipient of plastic waste. This opinion piece explores Malaysia's role in the global plastic waste crisis, emphasising the impact on ocean health and marine pollution.
Malaysia's role in the global plastic waste crisis
Malaysia plays a dual role: as a producer of plastic waste and a recipient of imported plastic waste. After China's 2018 ban on plastic waste imports, Malaysia became one of the top destinations for global plastic waste, particularly from developed countries.
Domestically, high consumption of single-use plastics and limited recycling infrastructure exacerbate the issue. The influx of plastic waste has led to significant marine pollution, affecting the health of our oceans.
Systemic weaknesses in waste management
Malaysia's waste management system faces several challenges: relatively low recycling rates due to poor segregation at source, inadequate infrastructure for processing and recycling, and reliance on the informal sector, which lacks regulation and safety.
Recent improvements include the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2030, but progress is slow compared to the scale of the problem. These systemic weaknesses contribute to the escalating plastic waste crisis, with significant amounts ending up in the oceans.
The partial adoption of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 672 in seven out of Malaysia's 14 states contributes to the disparity in service levels, awareness, and cleanliness between states.
Corporate accountability
Corporate accountability remains limited. While some companies report sustainability efforts, enforcement and transparency are lacking.
Many businesses still rely heavily on plastic packaging and do not disclose the full lifecycle impacts of their products. True corporate responsibility involves measurable targets for plastic reduction, supply chain transparency, and investment in alternatives and infrastructure.
Beyond CSR and green marketing
Most Malaysian companies are still in the early stages of sustainability. Efforts often focus on symbolic CSR activities rather than systemic changes.
Few have adopted circular economy principles or redesigned products to minimise plastic use across the value chain. Genuine corporate leadership involves measurable goals, transparent disclosures and long-term commitment.
Genuine corporate leadership versus greenwashing
True leadership involves measurable targets for plastic reduction, transparent supply chains, and investment in alternatives. Greenwashing, by contrast, relies on vague claims and superficial branding with minimal impact. Independent audits and third-party certifications can help distinguish genuine efforts from hollow marketing.
Promising innovations
Innovations with strong potential in Malaysia include biodegradable packaging from palm waste or seaweed, refillable and reusable systems in retail, and AI-driven sorting technologies for recycling. Scaling these solutions requires both government incentives and private sector investment to reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean.
Supporting reusable and compostable models
Waste systems can support this transition by standardising compostable materials, creating refill stations and reverse logistics, and educating consumers on proper disposal. Public-private partnerships are key to building the necessary infrastructure. By supporting reusable and compostable models, we can reduce the plastic waste burden on our oceans.
Imported plastic waste
Imported waste adds to Malaysia's burden, often arriving contaminated or mislabeled. Enforcement of import bans and stricter customs checks are needed. Malaysia has begun returning illegal shipments, but loopholes remain.
Addressing the issue of imported plastic waste is crucial to protecting our marine environments.
Government-private sector collaboration
Effective collaboration could include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, tax incentives for sustainable packaging, and marine clean-up programmes co-funded by industry. Investments in waste-to-energy plants and advanced recycling would deliver tangible benefits.
While independent associations such as MAREA have support from multinational companies, formalising regulation and cooperation between NGOs and government agencies will be crucial in building a workable and sustainable EPR system.
Lessons from other countries
Malaysia can learn from South Korea's strict waste segregation laws, Germany's EPR and deposit-return systems, and Indonesia's community-based plastic banks.
These models show that combining policy, technology and community engagement is essential for success. By adopting best practices from other countries, Malaysia can enhance its efforts to protect ocean health.
Conclusion
As we confront the escalating plastic waste crisis, it is imperative that Malaysia takes decisive action to protect our oceans.
By addressing systemic weaknesses, enhancing corporate accountability, supporting innovative solutions, and fostering government-private sector collaboration, Malaysia can play a pivotal role in the global effort to reduce plastic waste and safeguard marine environments for future generations.