Nik Nazmi: No more single-use plastics at govt events

Single-use plastics are now barred from all government meetings and functions, according to a circular issued last month and presented to the cabinet yesterday.

National Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the circular came into force on July 12.

This means a ban on serving water in disposable plastic bottles, using straws, plastic cling wrap, disposable cutlery, cups and plates to serve food at events and meetings.

Instead, water should be served in pitchers or glass bottles while a water dispenser must be provided in government buildings for refills, he said.

The circular supports the government’s campaign to reduce single-use plastic in federal, state and local governments as well as statutory bodies, which began in 2019, in line with the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030, he said.

“These actions which have and are being taken are in line with the government’s move to shift to a low carbon economy, and its aspirations to reach zero greenhouse gas target by 2050,” he said.

“Besides meeting climate targets, these actions are hoped to correct different perspectives about the issue of climate change, and ensure Malaysia does not fall behind and remain abreast with international developments,” he said.

Greenhouse effect

Malaysia is among the top 10 generators of plastic waste in the world.

An estimated nine billion tonnes of plastic is used by Malaysians every year, and much of that ends up in landfills or the ocean.

A lot of this is single-use disposable plastic such as packaging, of which Malaysians are recorded to use 16.8kg per person annually in 2022.

Researchers predict plastic waste could lead to some 19 percent of greenhouse gases worldwide by 2040.

Various policies have been in place to cut the use of single-use disposable plastic, including banning plastic straws in Selangor and charging for plastic shopping bags in various states.

However, critics argue that implementation and enforcement have not been consistent.

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