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

Shahul Hamid Fauziah; Mohammed Rizman-Idid; Wee Cheah; Kar-Hoe Loh; Sahadev Sharma; NoorMaiza M R; Michael Bordt; Teerapong Praphotjanaporn; Azizan Abu Samah; Johan Shamsuddin Bin Sabaruddin; Mary George

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112258

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

Mar Pollut Bull. 2021 Jun:167:112258. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112258. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

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.

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.

Keywords: Coastal pollution; Marine debris; Ocean; Plastics; Polyethylene; Polypropylene.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bathing Beaches
Environmental Monitoring*
Environmental Pollution
Malaysia
Plastics
Waste Products* / analysis

Substances

Plastics
Waste Products