The following infographic paints a picture of how the waste trade impacts us all. Plastics overconsumption/overproduction manifests in an increased production of wastes.
The reality is many of these wastes are not being processed responsibly. Some countries have been exporting plastic wastes meant for recycling in their own facilities to other countries like ours without any care to the impacts on the recipient country’s capabilities, environment and public health.
Malaysia imported 510,897 tonnes of plastic wastes in 2021[1]. Data on the major exporters to Malaysia and the types of plastic wastes they exported can be accessed through the link to Basel Action Network’s website[2] below. These reports were based on official global trade and Malaysian government’s data.
The illegal dumping, questionable practices of some local operators and subsequent hazards to our local environment and public heath remain significant in waste trade issues.
Below are a few suggested actions to stop waste imports into Malaysia
- Take photos/videos of reckless dumping; soil, water and air pollution of the wastes, and submit them directly to the Department of Environment’s website, e-Aduan. https://eaduan.doe.gov.my/eaduan/index.php?lang=EN
- Urge your local council/PBT to follow up on the reports/complaints of the pollution.
- Urge your local MP to support a government ban for all plastic waste exports to Malaysia.
- Call on Malaysian government to support the global call to reduce plastic production/consumption.
- Support a global petition to #StopShippingPlasticWaste to demand global shipping companies to stop transporting plastic wastes to less-developed countries like Malaysia. https://www.bataris.org.ph/petitions/stopshippingplasticwaste
Let’s come together to stop waste imports into Malaysia! Malaysia is not a Garbage Dump!
[1] Environmental Investigation Agency. (2023, January 16). Plastic Waste Power Play. Environmental Investigation Agency. Retrieved on 13 Feb 2023, from https://eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/EIA_UK_Plastic_Waste_Trade_Report_0123_FINAL_SINGLES.pdf
[2] Basel Action Network. Malaysia Import Data. Retrieved on 13 Feb 2023, from https://www.ban.org/plastic-waste-project-hub/trade-data/malaysia-import-data
To know more, read the articles listed below:
- Katz, Cheryl. (2019, March 7). YaleEnvironment360. Piling Up: How China’s Ban on Importing Waste Has Stalled Global Recycling. Yale School of the Environment. Retrieved on 13 February 2023, from https://e360.yale.edu/features/piling-up-how-chinas-ban-on-importing-waste-has-stalled-global-recycling
- Fathil, Sheeda. (2022, December 3). Selangor denies approval for plastic waste processing factories, premises to prevent pollution. Selangor Journal. Retrieved on 13 Feb 2023, from https://selangorjournal.my/2022/12/selangor-denies-approval-for-plastic-waste-processing-factories-premises-to-prevent-pollution-exco/