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Plastic Issues in Malaysia

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Introduction

One of the difficult problems Malaysia must deal with as it moves toward sustainability is plastic
litter. The country's rapid urbanization and economic expansion have made the growing usage of
plastic a serious environmental issue. The widespread use of single-use plastics continues to
endanger Malaysia's ecosystems and people's health, even in the face of initiatives to encourage
sustainable habits. In order to promote a more sustainable future, this paper will examine the
problem of plastic pollution in Malaysian society and offer some possible remedies.

The persistent usage of single-use plastics is one of Malaysia's biggest obstacles to sustainable
practices. Any grocery store, restaurant, or street market will have an excessive quantity of
plastic containers, bags, and packaging. The reliance on single-use plastics has been linked to
environmental deterioration and has an effect on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,
according to Kumar et al. (2021). The scenery of Malaysia, particularly its beautiful coastlines
and green forests, is negatively impacted by plastic waste.

Inadequate infrastructure for waste management is one of the main contributing factors to this
problem. The amount of abandoned plastics is too much for the waste management mechanisms
in place to handle, despite efforts raising awareness of the negative environmental effects of
plastic trash (Alhazmi et al., 2021). The issue is made worse by inadequate recycling facilities
and improper garbage disposal procedures. As a result of this, a large portion of plastic garbage
ends up in landfills or in waterways, endangering ecosystems and marine life.

Furthermore, a call for increased public education and understanding of sustainable practices
should be made. It's possible that many Malaysians are unaware of the long-term effects of
plastic pollution and how crucial it is to change their behavior to be more ecologically friendly.
Comprehensive education efforts to educate the public on the effects of their choices on the
environment must coexist with initiatives to encourage recycling and minimize the use of plastic
(Prata et al., 2019). Strategies should focus on companies, communities, and schools since they
can be crucial in encouraging a feeling of shared responsibility for sustainability.

Government rules and policies are also essential in resolving these problems. Although Malaysia
has taken some steps to control the use of plastics, more laws are needed to stop the
overproduction and overconsumption of single-use plastics. The government may promote a shift
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towards more environmentally friendly alternatives by taxing plastic products, offering

incentives to companies that use sustainable packaging materials, and enforcing more controls on
the manufacture of plastic (Kalita et al., 2023).

Conclusion

In conclusion, every individual involved in Malaysian society has to respond quickly to the
problem of plastic pollution and work together. The nation's ecosystems are seriously threatened
by the ongoing usage of single-use plastics, poor waste management infrastructure, and low
public awareness. Comprehensive approaches that include enhanced waste management,
educational programs, and more stringent government laws are essential to overcoming this
obstacle. Malaysia can lead the way toward a healthier and more environmentally friendly future
by encouraging a shared commitment to sustainability.
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References

Alhazmi, H., Almansour, F. H., & Aldhafeeri, Z. (2021). Plastic waste management: A review of
existing life cycle assessment studies. Sustainability, 13(10), 5340.
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/10/5340

Kalita, A., Pan Saikia, A., & Baruah, S. (2023). A critical review on plastic waste
administration. Environmental Quality Management, 33(1), 457-471.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/tqem.22076

Kumar, R., Verma, A., Shome, A., Sinha, R., Sinha, S., Jha, P. K., ... & Vara Prasad, P. V. (2021).
Impacts of plastic pollution on ecosystem services, sustainable development goals, and
need to focus on circular economy and policy interventions. Sustainability, 13(17), 9963.
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/17/9963

Prata, J. C., Silva, A. L. P., Da Costa, J. P., Mouneyrac, C., Walker, T. R., Duarte, A. C., &
Rocha-Santos, T. (2019). Solutions and integrated strategies for the control and
mitigation of plastic and microplastic pollution. International journal of environmental
research and public health, 16(13), 2411. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2411