Malaysia has reiterated its support for the drafting of a Global Plastics Treaty in line with United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14, as part of international efforts to curb plastic pollution.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the country’s commitment was demonstrated through its active involvement in seven rounds of negotiations, including the most recent session held in Geneva on Feb 7.
He said the ministry has been leading Malaysia’s participation in negotiations under the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC), established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to formulate the treaty.
“In principle, Malaysia supports the establishment of a Global Plastics Treaty in line with UNEA Resolution 5/14 to address plastic pollution,” he said in a written parliamentary reply last night.
Arthur added that Malaysia has consistently outlined its national stance and guiding principles at every negotiation session, while carefully balancing environmental protection with the country’s economic interests.
At the domestic level, he said the government has taken steps to reduce plastic pollution, including the ban on plastic carrier bags at fixed premises, which came into effect on Jan 1 this year, as well as the introduction of pollution charges when plastic carrier bags are used.
However, he noted that the implementation of the ban remains subject to the approval of state governments.
Currently, Negri Sembilan, Penang, the Federal Territories and Sabah have enforced a ban on single-use plastic carrier bags at fixed premises. Perak is set to become the latest state to implement the ban, beginning March 1, 2026, he said in response to a question from his predecessor, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Arthur’s remarks come amid reports last year suggesting that Malaysia had aligned with major oil-producing nations in opposing proposals to phase out toxic plastic additives and cap plastic production, a move that was said to have slowed progress on the global treaty.
He maintained that Malaysia remains committed to addressing plastic pollution through a measured and inclusive approach, both at the international and national levels.
