Harmful Impacts of Imported Plastic Waste in Malaysia

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The joint investigations carried out at several suspected locations within Malaysia revealed presence of excessive volumes of imported plastic waste. The shredded plastic wastes at these dumpsites were found to contain pollutant chemicals and metals that cause damage to surrounding environment.

The post-burn residues at the dumpsite in Pulau Indah were found to contain various contaminants along with chemicals generated as a result of combustion process. The sites where plastic wastes were burned contained contaminants including heavy metals and brominated flame retardants. The investigation also found evidence of pollution of surface water adjacent to the site. In addition, the dumpsite at Sri Cheeding was found to be covered with shredded plastics as a layer of topsoil.

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Greenpeace Malaysia urged the government to formulate an inclusive rehabilitation action plan involving local communities in cleaning up the polluted sites. In order to ensure waste trade transparency, the Freedom of Information Act needs to be revised. Also, it called for timely amendment or replacement of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 with an Environment Protection Law, so as to ensure strict action against illegal operators.

Moreover, plastic waste importing and exporting countries must engage in formulating a global agreement to combat flood of waste plastic.