Human Writes: Malaysia must step up on plastic pollution

These are bits of microplastics that can now be found in the seafood that we eat, and even the air that we breathe. And Malaysians are getting way too much of this stuff in our bodies. — © 2023 The New York Times Company

Nonya kuih was once one of Thing Siew Shuen’s favourite foods. But for years now she has not bought the delicacy. Not due to the kuih itself or her diet, but for a reason few of us consider: the packaging.

In Malaysia, kuih almost always comes in “Type 6” plastic packaging. Of the several plastic types, Type 6 (polystyrene) is considered the worst for the environment – it’s rarely recycled (too difficult), not biodegradable, and contains toxic chemicals which leach, especially when it’s heated.