Malaysia’s battle against plastic pollution may see a significant shift with the introduction of a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, a strategy aimed at making polluters pay for the waste they generate. During a recent roundtable discussion, industry leaders and government officials emphasized the need for strong political will to ensure the success of EPR, which could drastically reduce the nearly one million tonnes of plastic waste produced annually in the country. Malaysia’s plastic recycling rate stands at just over 35% as of 2023. The implementation of an EPR system is seen as crucial in achieving the goals set out in the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap, which aims for plastics circularity by 2026. The roadmap proposes a phased approach, starting with voluntary initiatives before moving to a mandatory EPR system. Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad emphasized that while the EPR is a powerful tool for sustainability, its success depends on effective implementation and a strong legal framework. The Malaysian Recycling Alliance (Marea), formed in 2021 by major FMCG companies, is leading voluntary efforts but recognizes that legislation must be pressed to have a greater impact.
The challenges of EHR implementation are illustrated with examples from Singapore and Lithuania emphasizing the importance of political will to overcome manufacturers’ resistance. Despite the initial industry ban, Lithuania’s successful beverage container return (DRS) program was cited as an example. The National Circular Economy Council, which includes key stakeholders from various sectors, is currently working on a plan to make EHR legal. The council’s approach includes research and consultation with industry players to make the system affordable and inclusive, especially for rural and poor communities. As Malaysia moves towards EHR, the government is committed to building a circular economy that not only reduces plastic waste, but also supports the overall goal of sustainability ..