Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in a statement today (Apr 5) has announced plans to review existing laws governing plastic pollution to strengthen measures against this environmental threat.
The government has already implemented policies on single-use plastic and sustainable plastic, but Nik Nazmi emphasised that more action is needed.
To this end, Malaysia is working on a national policy on plastic production, use, and waste that aligns with the 2022 Global Plastics Treaty (GPT), currently under negotiation. The GPT aims to decrease unnecessary plastic consumption through a just transition.
Malaysia has actively participated in four rounds of international negotiations on the GPT, engaging with stakeholders such as government ministries, industry bodies, and NGOs. Nik Nazmi underscored the importance of inclusivity, stating that civil society will continue to be involved in formulating Malaysia’s position on the GPT.
The recent survey commissioned by Greenpeace International, which found that 87% of Malaysians support reducing plastic production to combat pollution, is seen by the NRES as a positive sign. Nik Nazmi said that Malaysia’s support exceeds the global average of 82%, indicating strong backing for sustainability initiatives among the populace.
The government views this as an endorsement of its Malaysia Madani agenda, which prioritises sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Nik Nazmi reaffirmed the NRES’s commitment to transitioning away from plastic and towards a more sustainable future for Malaysia.
