KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are aware of the adverse effects stemming from single-use plastics, but believe the responsibility of preventing environmental hazard lies solely with the government. “Around 37 per cent respondents want the government to introduce compostable garbage bags for waste collection. “Twenty-one per cent respondents find that higher tax imposed on plastic items is another effective way to reduce plastic use,” Arun said. Despite calling for the government to fight against single-use plastic, Arun said only 44 per cent of Malaysians are aware of the 'Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastic’ initiative by the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC). Apart from that, only 64 per cent were aware of the government’s campaign to reduce single-use plastic through the banning of straws campaign which started earlier this year.

Source: New Strait Times October 19, 2019 10:41 UTC