Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030 launched

The Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030 is to address plastic waste pollution and ensure economic prosperity and social wellbeing, said Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

He said the roadmap will be implemented in three phases and would serve as a compass for stakeholders to preserve plastic based on the circular economy concept throughout the value chain.

This roadmap falls under the Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics which was approved by the cabinet in 2018.

“It is also to complement the solid waste circular economy initiative developed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

"We are optimistic that implementation of the circular economy concept will reduce the impact of plastic pollution on the environment," he said.

He was speaking at the launch of the roadmap at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center today.

Tuan Ibrahim said the expansion of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme was an important element that would change local plastic waste management.

Under the EPR, manufacturers are not only responsible for treating and disposing of plastic waste marketed by their respective brands, but also have to take into account design components and the use of recycled resins.

"The EPR scheme will be implemented voluntarily by taking into account the readiness of the industry, before making it mandatory, the latest by 2026," he said.

To realise the road map, he said, the use of plastic bottles at official government functions had begun to be reduced and replaced with other alternatives such as glass.

At the ceremony, Tuan Ibrahim also launched a book, 'Bersama Memakmur Bumi', published by the ministry.

He said the book was published to serve as guidance to all parties on key policies and initiatives in the country's environmental and water management.

- Bernama