Marine debris in Malaysia: A review on the pollution intensity and mitigating measures

Fauziah SH 1 , Rizman-Idid M 2 , Cheah W 2 , Loh KH 2 , Sharma S 2 , M R N 3 Show all authors , Bordt M 4 , Praphotjanaporn T 5 , Samah AA 6 , Sabaruddin JSB 7 , George M 7

Affiliations 

  • 1 Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Center for Research in Waste Management, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: fauziahsh@um.edu.my
  • 2 Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 3 Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 4 University of Ottawa, Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics, Simard Hall, room 047, 60 University, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
  • 5 Global Ocean Accounts Partnership, University of New South Wales, Faculty of Law, The Law Building, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
  • 6 Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; FIO-UM Joint Centre of Marine Science and Technology
  • 7 Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mar Pollut Bull, 2021 Jun;167:112258.
PMID: 33839567 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112258

Abstract

The launch of Roadmap towards Zero Single-use Plastics in 2018 demands baseline data on the management of marine debris in Malaysia. In 2021, Malaysia is placed 28th top plastic polluter in the world with plastic consumption at 56 kg/capita/year, therefore data on mismanaged plastic is imperative. This paper reviews the abundance and distribution of marine debris in selected Malaysian beaches over the last decade (2010-2020) and discusses issue on its management. Plastic debris on beaches in Malaysia, was reported to range from 64 items/m2, to as high as 1930 items/m2, contributing 30-45% of total waste collected. Plastics film was the most dominant, mainly originated from packaging materials. Therefore, appropriate action including improved marine waste management system is crucial to tackle the problem, together with effective governance mechanisms. Various suggestions were proposed based on the statistical-environmental data to reduce the occurrence of marine debris in the country.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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