KUCHING: Food waste accounts for 32 per cent of total production of waste in Malaysia – making it the largest contributor among other sources.
Plastics are the second largest contributor, at 19.9 per cent of total waste produced.
In this regard, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar calls upon everyone to become a part of the environmental solution – starting with changing their daily behaviours in order to conserve and protect the environment.
“People on all levels of society must reduce the use of plastic bags and replace them with recycled bags, or biodegradable plastic or even paper bags,” he said in a press statement issued in conjunction with the Earth Day celebration yesterday.
Earth Day, which falls on April 22 every year, is meant to appreciate the environment and also to raise awareness of global environmental issues and activism.
Themed ‘End Plastic Pollution’, this year’s event is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human attitude and behaviour regarding plastics.
According to Wan Junaidi, plastic residues contain hazardous chemicals and plastic waste generated in the land that is not properly managed, will drift to the sea – degrading the quality of the marine environment, damaging the landscape and causing harm to humans, plants, aquatic life and also wildlife.
“The decay and disposal of plastic bags can also contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases that affect global warming, and can also bring impact on the human food chain,” he said.
Wan Junaidi pointed out that in order to create awareness among Malaysians on the impact of plastic pollution, the ministry had taken and implemented various measures.
“Among them, the annual ‘National Environment Day’ and the ‘Environmentally Friendly Programme’ involving locals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and nature lovers’ clubs, who have been carrying out beach-cleaning activities.
“Moreover, ongoing efforts are being undertaken by the ministry to introduce environmental education subjects at school level to create a sense of responsibility and concern among the younger generation towards the environment,” he added.
Wan Junaidi reminded all that it is not only the government’s responsibility to preserve and conserve the environment, but also that of everyone.
“I also want to encourage public participation in the ‘Environmental Partner Programme’ where every community can be the eyes and ears of the government, in reporting pollution cases that occur around their areas.”
Wan Junaidi expressed his hope that through various efforts, activities and programmes planned for the Earth Day celebration nationwide, these could inculcate the awareness in Malaysians for them to care for the environment.
“Together, we can address the environmental pollution, particularly marine pollution so as to protect marine life from plastic waste. With the involvement of all parties, we will strive to preserve and conserve the Earth that we live in for the benefit of the present and future generations,” he said.