Face mask littering problem in Malaysia

 

We want to highlight the challenges posed by face mask littering in Malaysia. This is related to sustainable development goals (SDG) 3, which is good health and well-being specifically under target 3.9 (substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination by 2030).

Face masks are made using unsustainable products which are hydrophilic and hydrophobic that takes a long time to degrade.

They are from plastic fibre synthetic materials that should not be in the recycling bins as it is not suitable for recycling due to hygiene and health factors.

Face mask littering happens because people like to discard used face masks anywhere they like. These people do not care about the consequences of their actions.

Another contributing cause is that existing laws against littering are not fully enforced.

The Department of Environment Malaysia (DOE) has enacted the Environmental Quality Act 1974 which specify in section 24 restrictions on soil pollution.

A person found guilty can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed for a maximum of five years or both.

Mandatory masking

In our current situation, the government is strict in enforcing the use of face masks in public areas.

Many people have been fined for not wearing face masks in public areas such as the case in Ipoh, Perak where six matriculation students were fined or slapped with RM1,500. 

However, no action is taken against people who throw used face masks indiscriminately even though Environmental Quality Act 1974 section 24 have long been enacted to punish them. 

The increasing production of face masks indicates a growing market demand by consumers, suppliers and retailers.

Increasing market demand in supply and demand of face masks will lead to more options for consumers.

Manufacturers will take advantage of this pandemic by diversifying their face mask products to capitalise on this demand. This scenario shows capitalism at work.

The more face masks that are used by us, the more waste will be produced. Waste product should be recycled or reused but face masks cannot go through the process of recycling or reuse as it was made from unrecyclable materials. So it will end up in dustbins and dumpsites.

A few ideas

The best way to dispose of the waste is by throwing it in the right place. For example, a special trash can for used face masks should provided in the public areas.

That way it can be separated from other rubbish. If the face masks are not being disposed of correctly, it will lead to other problems such as the spread of virus, cause pollution and possibly choking the marine life in the rivers or seas.

In order to dispose of the face masks properly, here are a few ideas. First, the local waste management authority must provide a special bin for clinical waste only in public areas.

It helps to separate between those face masks and other rubbish like plastics and bottles.

Secondly, use an incinerator to dispose of them. This is the fastest way to get rid of our used face masks but it requires a lot of money. Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man should consider applying this solution before the situation becomes worse.

Last but not least, laws should be strengthened on face mask littering and make sure it is enforced all the time. - Mkini

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FATIN NUR AISYAH ZULKAPLI and ATHIRAH MOHD SUKERI are students at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Pagoh Campus.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.