KUALA LUMPUR: A non-governmental organisation has raised concerns over disposable face mask litter which has become a common sight as the country continues to record a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Alliance for Safe Community (Ikatan) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said most used face masks and gloves will end up in landfills or pollute the seas, subsequently posing a threat to wildlife.
"(Face) Masks have become a requirement for all when in public places.
"Most of these masks are made of artificial fabrics. These fabrics are inter-woven with polypropylene thermoplastic.
"It would not be a cause for concern if conventional recycling methods can break down these masks. Unfortunately, this is not the case," said Lee in a statement today.
He said it has been estimated that a whopping 10 million masks are used and discarded, many indiscriminately, in Malaysia on a daily basis.
Hence, Ikatan urged the authorities to step up efforts at enforcing laws against littering.
Along with enforcement, Lee said it was also important to take measures to educate the public against the indiscriminate disposal of face masks, gloves and other types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
"Education must begin in schools where teachers can inculcate good hygienic habits among children.
"Fighting the Covid-19 pandemic is already a full-time effort. We must not divert our attention and resources to fight PPE pollution as well.
"We have no time to lose. For every day's delay, another 10 million masks will be disposed of, many of them indiscriminately," said Lee.
He also hoped all parties and groups would emulate health authorities, which have instituted proper standard operating procedures (SOPs), on the disposal of PPEs.
"PPE is a boon but could also be a bane at the same time. Handled properly it is life-saving, handled improperly it could be life-threatening.
"PPEs which could be contaminated with pathogens and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis pose a real danger to humans," he said.