Government must take charge of plastic waste

I WRITE in support of and appreciation for two letters, “Malaysia needs to upgrade to 5R” and “Long road to achieving harmony with nature” ( The Star, April 23). In the first letter, the writer quoted a study which estimated that in 2010, Malaysia produced 940 million kilograms of mismanaged public waste, of which 140 to 370 million kilograms were washed into the sea! The letter also pointed out that “Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, comprising 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all sea birds and 43% of all marine mammal species.” These statistics are indeed shocking.

In the second letter, the writer wrote that “Plastic pollution is now a real threat, injuring marine life, littering beaches and landfills and clogging waste systems” and also informed that Earth Day this year is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to eventually end plastic pollution.

After the 14th General Election, the new government has to consider this information and significantly reduce, if not wipe out, plastic pollution. I feel we should revert to glass for water bottles because plastic containers are now the most common source of pollution.

Recently, town councils have been generously providing plastic garbage bins in housing estates to reduce the need for plastic garbage bags. This action is commendable. However, holes should have been punctured at the bottom of these bins to prevent water from accumulating in them as many garbage collectors do not close the lid after picking up the contents.

I urge the authorities concerned to deploy their workers to do the needful before we see an increase in dengue cases.

Let us all play our little part to effectively wipe out plastic pollution.