KUALA LUMPUR: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) is considering the need to establish specific legislation regarding plastics in Malaysia, said minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
He said the step is expected to accelerate the transition of plastic management from a linear economy to a circular economy.
"Overall, the implementation of policies addressing marine litter and incentives to reduce single-use plastics still needs to be strengthened. The ministry believes this (specific legislation regarding plastics) will help reduce plastic waste pollution," he said in response to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat).
He inquired about the action taken by the ministry following a study report by Cornell University in the United States published in the Environmental Science And Technology publication, that Malaysians eat 15 grams of microplastics per month from seafood sources.
Nik Nazmi said the ministry takes note of all articles and studies published, including those in the said publication.
"Regarding microplastic consumption, the study relates to the eating habits of fish and seafood. In this case, this likely occurs due to plastic waste pollution that is either intentionally or unintentionally released into the environment, which eventually flows into rivers, drains, and then into the ocean. This issue is also associated with marine litter or marine debris.
"Accordingly, the ministry has taken various steps to address the issue of marine litter and reduce the use of single-use plastics, based on the National Marine Litter Policy and Action Plan 2021-2030, the Malaysian Plastic Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030 (MPSR), and the Malaysia Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030.
"The ministry is committed and confident that campaigns and continuous engagement sessions involving all parties are crucial to ensuring the success of plastic conservation efforts."
He said the ministry will continue to cooperate with all parties, especially the industry and non-governmental organisations, to increase awareness in society.
"At the same time, the government will strive to continue improving sustainable plastic management."