Greenpeace Survey: 87% Of Malaysians Support Cutting Plastic Production
The Malaysians surveyed even demonstrated stronger support than the global averages.
By May Vin Ang — 05 Apr 2024, 01:22 PM
Nearly nine out of 10 Malaysians support cutting plastic production to combat pollution, a new Greenpeace International report has revealed
In a survey of 1,000 Malaysians in 17 cities nationwide this year, the environmental group discovered strong public backing for measures to end single-use plastics and promote reusable solutions.
With 19,088 individuals from 19 countries surveyed in the global poll, Malaysians demonstrated stronger support for the survey objectives than the global averages.
The survey found that:
- 86% of Malaysians support reducing plastic production to protect biodiversity and address climate change, higher than the global 80%.
- 95% of Malaysians endorse transitioning away from single-use plastic packaging to reusable and refillable alternatives, compared to 90% globally.
- 76% of Malaysians support banning single-use plastic packaging, compared to the global 75% in favour.
- 90% of Malaysians express concern about the health impacts of plastic on their loved ones, with 93% of parents worrying about the effects on their children, higher than the global averages of 80% and 84% respectively.
The findings reinforce calls for the Malaysian government to support the Global Plastics Treaty and champion stronger policies at upcoming negotiations in Canada and South Korea
"The resounding support for reducing plastic production is a wake-up call to industries and policymakers. It's time to shift from a throwaway culture to a reuse and refill economy, where products are designed for reuse and longevity — not disposability.
"Scaling back production is a vital step towards a more sustainable future and we have to act quickly," said Greenpeace Malaysia public engagement campaigner, Hema Mahadevan.
Greenpeace is demanding that the Global Plastics Treaty cut total plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 to protect biodiversity and ensure that global temperatures do not rise more than 1.5°C.
