The government should demonstrate its political will to tackle a plastic crisis
The recent comments by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi on single-use plastic bans reveal some critical oversights.
We are concerned that Malaysia is lagging behind on the Global Plastics Treaty
YB Tuan Nik Nazmi mentioned that although Malaysia “may not meet the target exactly on time, we are making significant progress”.
What steps has the government taken to claim that there is progress?
It was clear during the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution (INC4) negotiations in March, Malaysia had largely opted for the zero text option. This means Malaysia’s delegation team, which involved the culprits to the plastic pollution problem, namely the petrochemical industry, decided to give minimal or little to no significant contributions to the draft.
Malaysia was also the only country to opt for zero text regarding the issue of fishing gear. This sounds more regressive than progressive.
Blaming the plastic bag issue on consumer behavior misses the mark
The core problem lies in the production and distribution of plastic bags, not just their consumption.
Shifting blame and responsibility to the consumers have been part of how companies remove all responsibility from themselves: they blame consumers for plastic waste.
We need to move away from this narrative and focus on cutting out plastics at the source once and for all. It is the state’s responsibility to regulate and prioritize public health and environmental protection.
There is a deeper issue at hand
Malaysia faces significant challenges with illegal recyclers, highlighting a deeper issue: recycling alone cannot solve our plastic problem.
As of 2023, the National Recycling Rate at 35.38%. It can never reach 100% because not all plastics are recyclable and not all recyclable plastics are recycled. Without addressing the reduction in plastic production, we are not tackling the root cause.
We need to shut the plastic tap.
Bio-degradable or bioplastic are false solutions to a plastic pollution crisis
Scientists at INC4 have noted that bioplastics often retain similar elements to traditional plastics, making them no better for the environment. Research has found that bioplastics, like traditional plastics, are as toxic.
So, what now?
- We need to eliminate all single-use plastics and other non-essential, unnecessary, or unsafe and unsustainable plastic products and applications, as well as plastic alternatives that are made for single-use.
- Implement and scale up reuse and refill systems in a transition away from single-use plastics while taking into account a just transition for workers. Reuse systems present a vital opportunity to move away from the existing linear take-make-waste packaging economy.
- Bans on toxic materials used in traditional plastics and bioplastics with requirements for the transparency of chemicals in plastic materials and products throughout their whole life cycle.
- We must reject technologies that do not address the root cause of plastic pollution and greenwashing to ensure that the products produced that further perpetuate “single-use”, “throwaway” habits, and pollution to prevent the further detriment of the climate, human and environmental health.
We need a comprehensive approach that prioritises production reduction, genuine alternatives, and a robust commitment to international treaties to effectively combat plastic pollution.
Malaysia is in a strategic position – from being a victim of illegally imported plastic waste trade who continues to live through and survive waste colonialism, to being one of the countries ratifying the Basel Ban Amendment to combat waste trafficking, curbing the amount of illegal plastic waste entering Malaysia, the nation continues to face legal and illegal dumping.
I implore the government to start championing the push for the highest level of ambition during the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations.
We hope to see a shift in Malaysia’s position at INC5 in November 2024 towards stronger commitments and actions to reduce plastic production and implement sustainable alternatives, ensuring a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution.
Ask our leaders to support a strong global plastic treaty that addresses the whole life cycle of plastic.