Malaysia has long been a dumping ground for the world’s plastic waste.
Having previously become the leading alternative destination for plastic scrap after China banned the importation of waste, Malaysia is now sending back the waste to its country of origin.
In the latest update, Malaysia is now set to send back the latest shipment of waste coming into the country back to its country of origin, the USA.
According to the Minister of Environment and Water Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the Environmental Department will turn away a cargo full of illegal plastic waste coming in from Los Angeles believed to have set sail on 14th February 2021.
“I have instructed the Environmental Department to work hand-in-hand with their American counterparts to stop illegal importation of plastic waste into the country.”
For now, the importation of plastics without proper documentation is deemed illegal based on the agreement made at the Basel Convention.
Let’s hope that efforts to stop the importation of plastic waste into the country will continue, to ensure that we do stockpile unwanted rubbish onto our shores.
Also read: Malaysians Wake Up! We’re Ranked No.1 in Asia For Plastic Consumption
