Skip to content
Sahabat Alam Malaysia
  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • BMBM
  • Donate
  • Archive

C4 Center – SAM joint forum against imported plastic waste sheds light on impact

  • Publication Date | July 30, 2021
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Pollution & Extractives
  • Issues | Pollution, Toxics, Waste
  • Tags | Break Free From Plastics, DoE, Plastic Waste, waste trade
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email
Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
PDF
plastic bottles, bottles, recycling-115071.jpg

A forum jointly organised by the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) on improving monitoring and enforcement against illegal waste processing in Kedah and Penang has shed light on the problems faced by the communities and the enforcement agencies in addressing the issue, while creating a platform for the people and the agencies to interact. 

Titled “Malaysia is Not a ‘Garbage’ Dump: Enhancing Monitoring & Enforcement Efforts in Kedah & Penang”, the event saw the presentation of C4 Center’s research findings on the governance issues and illegality linked to imported plastic waste, as well as a presentation and forum featuring a panel of experts, moderated by SAM. The event also coincides with the Meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions on hazardous waste, chemicals and persistent organic pollutants. 

“The objective of this event is to look at the root causes of the damage of the waste trade to the environment, and address serious gaps in governance issues, and how transparency and accountability should be improved,” said Cynthia Gabriel, Executive Director of C4 Center, during her opening note. 

The panel was graced by Penang State Executive Councillor for Environment and Welfare YB Phee Boon Poh; Department of Environment’s (DOE) Penang Director, Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab; Head of DOE’s Sungai Petani branch, Ya Mohammad Nazir Syah Ismail; and Persatuan Tindakan Alam Sekitar Sungai Petani former President, Lydia Ong. 

Over the course of the panel presentation, the panellists, moderated by SAM’s Honorary Secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam, discussed the different roles and powers available to each level of government in regulating plastic waste recycling, while identifying the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and enforcement along the value chains for waste streams. 

C4 Center’s research findings were presented by researcher Wong Pui Yi, with her research showing that, despite extensive coordination efforts by the government, not only were there weaknesses in the legal and policy frameworks in Malaysia, the ease of illicit activity points towards pervasive corruption and complacency among regulators and businesses, in turn leading to criminality and the intimidation of activists. 

“We have to call into question the limitations and loopholes that allow for these crimes against nature committed in our country,” said Wong. “Local governments should also be more empowered and accountable.” 

Malaysia saw a massive influx of imported waste following China’s waste import bans in 2018, which led to a sharp rise in illegal recycling facilities and dumpsites, resulting in land, water, and air pollution that has affected communities across the nation. 

When enforcement efforts increased, the illegal operations simply moved to another region, leading to rumours of collective organisation, and allegations of malfeasance, misconduct, and corruption. 

“I always believe we should solve problems at the source, and the source is that all this waste plastic is coming into Malaysia,” said Phee, adding that the issue needs to be addressed urgently. He also called for better consultation between the federal government with state and local governments in the approval of waste import permits. 

“The illegal import of waste leads to environmental damage through the operation of illegal waste premises and open burning leads to the release of toxic gases, as well as toxic leachates, which pollutes river and groundwater with heavy metals,” shared Sharifah. 

“On the local level, the DOE branch at Sungai Petani has insufficient staff trying to cover multiple waste sources, with enforcement made even more challenging by how wrong-doers will seek loopholes to the law. Complainants also have to be aware of the jurisdiction of each agency, and provide accurate information from reliable sources,” said Ya, adding that Covid-19 has been a detriment to enforcement efforts as well. 

“Communities are severely affected from the pollution, with an increase in health issues from pollution-related illnesses and conditions,” shared Ong. 

C4 Center and SAM recommend for a ban on the import of waste into Malaysia, which would serve to address the issues of imported waste being unable to be returned to origin countries, while making a big step towards resolving illegal waste processing in Malaysia by cutting off supplies. 

“The problems from the international waste trade cannot be solved by the importing countries alone. Developed countries must take responsibility for their own waste, and we need to stop waste colonialism by banning the waste trade,” said Meenakshi Raman, President of SAM, in her closing remarks. 

Released by:

Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Center)
For further enquiries, please contact 012-379 2189 / 03-7660 5140

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)
For further enquiries, please contact 012-8782706

Latest

Development & Planning

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

On 11.01.2023, we lost one of our very own former staff, Balakrishnan Nadeson, who succumbed to his illness. Balakrishnan, or rather Union Bala as we

Read More »
January 18, 2023
Development & Planning

Set up Commission of Inquiry for the landslide tragedy in Batang Kali

SAM is shocked to learn about the horrific landslide tragedy in Batang Kali which has claimed several lives including children. Time and again we have

Read More »
December 16, 2022
cable car, isolated, winter-3989542.jpg
Forests & Biodiversity

Be transparent on cable car project

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is very alarmed to learn about the announcement by the Chief Minister of Penang that the cable car project to Penang

Read More »
December 14, 2022
Forests & Biodiversity

CBD COP15 – How it has fared so far

Week one (03 – 10 December 2022) of the 15th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 15) to the Convention onBiological Diversity (CBD) taking place

Read More »
December 14, 2022

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

  • Publication Date | January 18, 2023
  • Document Type | Articles & Stories
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Development, General, Pollution, Toxics
Read more

Set up Commission of Inquiry for the landslide tragedy in Batang Kali

  • Publication Date | December 16, 2022
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Adaptation, Development
Read more
cable car, isolated, winter-3989542.jpg

Be transparent on cable car project

  • Publication Date | December 14, 2022
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Forests & Biodiversity
  • Issues | Conservation, Development, Urban Development
Read more

CBD COP15 – How it has fared so far

  • Publication Date | December 14, 2022
  • Document Type | Articles & Stories
  • Programmes | Forests & Biodiversity
  • Issues | Biodiversity, Conservation, Deforestation, Genetic Engineering, Indigenous Peoples, International Treaties, Land Rights, Mitigation, Wildlife
Read more
Development & Planning

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

Read More »
January 18, 2023
Development & Planning

Set up Commission of Inquiry for the landslide tragedy in Batang Kali

Read More »
December 16, 2022
cable car, isolated, winter-3989542.jpg
Forests & Biodiversity

Be transparent on cable car project

Read More »
December 14, 2022
Forests & Biodiversity

CBD COP15 – How it has fared so far

Read More »
December 14, 2022

Testimonials

Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah satu badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang telah sekian lama berjuang mempertahan kelestarian alam. Ia juga mendidik masyarakat tentang pentingnya kebersamaan dalam pemikiran dan tindakan agar alam ini dapat kita wariskan kepada generasi hadapan dalam keadaan yang elok dan terpelihara. Dalam pada itu juga SAM giat membantu golongan nelayan pantai dalam memperjuangkan hak-hak mereka sehinggalah tertubuhnya Persatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING). Nelayan pantai sepenuh masa ini dididik oleh SAM sehingga mereka mampu memainkan peranan sebagai pemimpin nelayan yang meneruskan kesinambungan memperjuangkan hak-hak nelayan pantai lainnya. Sebagai contoh SAM telah berjaya menyedarkan masyarakat nelayan keperluan menjaga hutan paya bakau untuk kebaikan hasil tangkapan nelayan itu sendiri.
Jamaluddin Mohamad Bualik
Jamaluddin Mohamad BualikPersatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Jaringan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING)
During the 1980s, I used to read about the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) in the news. After retirement, some time in 2001, while lazing around, I read news about the construction of a carbon in leach plant using sodium cyanide to extract gold in Bukit Koman. My friends and I visited CAP and we were introduced to SAM and her legal team. We discussed the details of filing a case against the gold mining company and the department of environment with Ms Meenakshi Raman and her legal team. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between lawyers from SAM and many of us from Bukit Koman. We had many ups and downs in our struggle to shut down the gold mine that was causing a nuisance in our village. But, as a community we never gave up because SAM had our backs.
Hue Fui How
Hue Fui HowSecretary, Bukit Koman Ban Cyanide in Goldmining Action Committee (BCAC)
Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah sebuah NGO yang memperjuangkan nasib masyarakat luar bandar khasnya. SAM menerima aduan-aduan masyarakat dan menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi. SAM telah mewujudkan ramai aktivis-aktivis sosial dan alam sekitar. Pada era 1980 dan 90an SAM sangat dihormati oleh masyarakat dan agensi kerajaan. Apabila media sosial menguasai maklumat maka SAM pun terkesan dan masalah masyarakat terus disalurkan dengan pelbagai cara. SAM perlu mewujudkan aktivis-aktivis pelapis yang muda untuk terus membantu masyarakat. SAM juga perlu membuat perubahan supaya banyak turun kelapangan dan jangan mengharapkan laporan media sahaja. Tingkatkan prestasi sebagaimana pada zaman kegemilangan SAM di era 80-90an.
Che Ani Mt Zain
Che Ani Mt Zain
SAM taught me the importance of social activism and the role it plays in upholding the rights of people and the protection of the environment. In my experience, SAM has never hesitated to speak up in defence of people and their environment, and has gone the extra mile to champion their rights, by helping communities take their battles to the higher ups and even to the courts.
Jessica Binwani
Jessica BinwaniPublic/Private Interest Lawyer
Semenjak kami kenal SAM, banyak pengalaman dan pengetahuan yg kami dapat. Kami telah belajar cara membuat baja asli daripada SAM. Semenjak itu, bermulalah minat kami dalam aktiviti pertanian. Dengan memperolehi kemahiran dalam membuat baja asli dan penanaman lestari, kami juga telah dapat menambahkan pendapatan sampingan kami. Ini lebih baik daripada tanah kami terbiar dan tidak diusahakan. Terima kasih SAM kerana sudi memberi bantuan dan tunjuk ajar kepada Persatuan kami.
Chedo Anak Nyuwen
Chedo Anak NyuwenPersatuan Penduduk Sg Buri, Bakong, Marudi
My journey with SAM started when her community organisers took me to the meet the paddy farmers of Kedah, connecting my growing interest in environmental law with our people who struggle to work the land in the face of pollution, replacement of traditional seeds with commercial hybrids and their accompanying chemical package of fertilisers and weedicides. I then had the honour to work with SAM in the struggle for the rights of the native communities of Sarawak, in defence of their forests from massive logging and destructive mega-projects. In every issue that SAM takes up, she combines rigorous research with the realities and voices of the communities to advocate for policies and laws that care for people and nature. From the courts to the elected legislators to policy makers and implementers and to the United Nations, SAM walks side by side with the communities in Malaysia. How can I not be inspired by the vision and passion of the generations of women and men who coalesce to form SAM?
Chee Yoke Ling
Chee Yoke Lingstudent of SAM, Executive Director of Third World Network, SAM’s sister organisation

Support our mission

Do your part for the environment with your donations. Each contribution enables our organisation to create more impact towards environmental justice.

Donate here

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
No. 1, Jalan Joki,
11400 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Marudi Office)
129A, First Floor,
Jalan Tuanku Taha,
P.O.Box 216,
98058 Marudi,
Baram, Sarawak,
Malaysia
Tel & Fax: +6085 758 973

Sitemap

  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Archive
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Usage of the Website Content

Get the latest news

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
No. 1, Jalan Joki, 11400 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Marudi Office)
129A, First Floor,
Jalan Tuanku Taha,
P.O.Box 216,
98058 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak,
Malaysia
Tel & Fax: +6085 758 973

Sitemap

  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Archive
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Usage of the Website Content

Get the latest news

Follow us here

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Copyright © 2023 Sahabat Alam Malaysia