21062025

SATURDAY | JUNE 21, 2025

3 Plastic bags still used despite environmental, health risks

Ministry mulls wall, CCTV for border security

KOTA BHARU: The Home Ministry is reviewing several proposals to strengthen border security, including the construction of a wall along the Malaysia–Thailand border in Kelantan, which has been identified as a high-risk area. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said safeguarding the country’s borders remains a top government priority, particularly in areas frequently used for drug smuggling and other illicit activities that may pose wider security threats. “We place full emphasis on border control. If the borders are not secured, not only can drug smuggling occur, but more serious incidents may also arise,” he said at a press conference after attending a programme with the National Anti-Drugs Agency and the Malaysian Anti-Drugs Association on Thursday. He said the ministry, in collaboration with the police and other enforcement agencies, is analysing current intelligence to identify locations requiring heightened security, which may include surveillance systems or permanent structures. “We are considering all proposals, including wall construction, CCTV installation and other technological solutions. All of these are under review, and actions will be taken according to needs and locality,” he said. Shamsul Anuar added that border security enhancements are not limited to specific zones but are implemented nationwide based on assessed threats and risk levels. – Bernama ‘Proposed EPF health insurance will be voluntary’ KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s proposed health insurance scheme, to be funded through Account 2 of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), will be voluntary and not mandatory, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He added that the initiative aims to give EPF contributors the option of broader insurance coverage, noting that currently 32% of healthcare costs are paid out-of pocket by patients without insurance protection. “Through this approach, the government hopes to expand access to faster, higher quality private healthcare without increasing the financial burden on the people,”he said in a Facebook post. The proposal takes inspiration from countries such as Singapore, which prioritise widespread insurance access for their citizens, Bernama reported. “It doesn’t come out of their pockets. Only about 1% of Account 2 would be used to pay for insurance. This is the best way,”he said.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Poor disposal fuels pollution, floods and microplastic contamination amid slow adoption of sustainable alternatives: Experts

Forum 2025 in Tashkent. In Russia, from June 25 to June 28, Fadillah is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak to discuss strategic cooperation in the energy sector. He is also expected to conduct a technical visit to the Rosatom Nuclear Power Plant in St Petersburg to review the latest nuclear technology and international safety standards. – Bernama office premises. He also highlighted that 454 tonnes of fly-tipped plastic waste are dumped annually in Kuala Lumpur on unauthorised land, water bodies, forest reserves and drainage systems, in breach of local regulations. “Not to mention an additional 448 tonnes of discarded plastic waste yet to be collected,” he added. Ikram warned that heavy metals used in the production of plastic bags, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, can leach into the environment over time, contributing to soil and water contamination. “The toxic burden of single-use plastic bags is not just environmental but also chemical. These pollutants linger and circulate, creating new layers of risk.” Universiti Malaya chemical engineering expert Dr Jegalakshimi Jewaratnam said Malaysians consume around 16.8kg of plastic packaging per person annually, mainly for food and beverage products such as containers, bottles and wrappers. She added that Malaysia records the highest per capita consumption of plastic bags in Southeast Asia. Echoing Ikram’s concerns, she warned that poor disposal of single use plastics could lead to serious microplastic pollution, including contamination of the human food chain. “Studies have found microplastics in fish meant for human consumption. These particles can settle in blood vessels and organs, and over time, lead to health complications,” she said. While plastic bags are often criticised, she noted they are less energy- and emission-intensive to produce than some reusable alternatives. “Plastic bags are by-products of petroleum and natural gas processing. A cotton bag must be reused 150 times to offset its environmental footprint, while a polypropylene bag requires four uses to break even,” she explained. With retailers such as 99 Speedmart having stopped providing plastic bags to customers, experts are calling for broader public and private sector action to support nationwide sustainability efforts. They urged all business outlets to adopt similar measures in order to sustain a healthier environment across the country.

PETALING JAYA: Despite voluntary efforts by several retail chains to phase out single-use plastic bags, Malaysia continues to grapple with environmental and public health consequences linked to plastic waste, said experts. In a joint written statement, Malaysian Association of Environmental Health (MAEH) honorary secretary Rudiaswady Abdul Rahim and committee member Dr Sarva Mangala Praveena said Kuala Lumpur alone produces about 161,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with plastic bags accounting for 35% of that total. They added that an estimated 653 tonnes of plastic waste leak into waterways each year, with plastic bags forming a major share due to poor disposal and collection practices. The lightweight material contributes significantly to flash floods by clogging drainage systems, particularly in the Klang Valley, where drainage capacity in some areas has been reduced by up

behaves in urban environments. This isn’t just a litter issue, it affects infrastructure functionality,” MAEH stated. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia environmental risk specialist Dr Muhammad Ikram Wahab echoed similar concerns, warning that the long-term impact of single-use plastics extends beyond clogged drains. Plastic bags, he explained, are made from low-density polyethylene and can take more than 500 years to break down. “Even then, they don’t biodegrade. They fragment into microplastics, which accumulate in soil, waterways and even the food chain,” he said. Citing MAEH data, Ikram said multi-family dwellings generate the highest volume of plastic waste, followed by single-family homes, retail, wholesale and

to 60%. “Plastic bags critically increase the chances of flash floods and drainage issues in urban areas such as the Klang Valley by physically obstructing stormwater systems. “When discarded, lightweight bags easily enter drains through wind or runoff, forming clogs that trap organic debris such as leaves, silt and other waste. “Because they are easily carried by wind and water, they are more likely to end up in rivers, storm drains and eventually the marine environment,” the statement read. MAEH also noted that marine animals such as turtles and seabirds often mistake plastic bags for food, resulting in internal injuries, starvation or death. The persistence of such waste in oceans poses a serious threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. “Plastic waste alters how water

Ikram said plastic bags are made from low-density polyethylene and can take more than 500 years to break down. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Uzbekistan, Russia visit to boost energy and water ties TASHKENT: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s official visit to Uzbekistan and Russia is expected to expand Malaysia’s strategic network in the fields of energy and water at the international level. delegation’s understanding of modern nuclear energy technology but also to attract investment and strengthen cooperation aligned with the aspirations of Madani Malaysia. knowledge sharing, technology and foreign investment,” the ministry said in a statement. Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov to explore technical cooperation and renewable energy investment opportunities.

In a separate statement, the Foreign Ministry said Fadillah is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the United Nations Public Service Forum 2025 in Samarkand, highlighting Malaysia’s best practices and innovation in public service. On June 24, he will participate in the Malaysia–Uzbekistan Business

During the Uzbekistan leg of the visit, from June 21 to June 24, Fadillah is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss bilateral ties and efforts to expand cooperation in energy and sustainable development. He will also attend a joint meeting with Uzbekistan’s Energy Minister

The ministry said the visit reflects Malaysia’s commitment to forming global strategic partnerships to tackle future energy and water challenges. “It demonstrates the country’s active role in exploring resilient and sustainable solutions through

Fadillah will be on a working visit to both countries from June 21 to June 28. The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry said the visit aims not only to deepen the