PLASTIC manufacturers say more needs to be done to boost separation at source and recycling rates in Johor.
Malaysia Plastic Manufacturers Association (MPMA) Johor branch chairman Mike Tan said waste separation at source had declined.
“Many have reverted to old habits, probably due to a lack of strict enforcement and follow-up measures.
“We need tougher regulations, including designated collection days for recyclables and food waste, similar to Taiwan and Japan,” he told StarMetro.
Tan noted that while public participation in waste segregation remains inconsistent, there has been a positive shift in people’s knowledge of the need to recycle.
“A decade ago, people were unsure which bins to use, but today they instinctively head to the right ones when disposing of plastic bottles or food packaging,” he said.
Tan cited the recent Johor Chingay Festival, where the state MPMA branch had set up booths to encourage proper disposal of rubbish.
At these booths, non-recyclable items such as food waste, paper wrappers, single-use plastic bags and cigarette butts were collected separately from recyclables like plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and carton boxes, he said.
“This initiative, which we embarked on since 10 years ago, has sparked community interest in the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle,” he added.
Tan also urged the government to consider establishing more specialised recycling centres to further enhance waste management.
He stressed that the issue laid not with plastic usage alone, but with the public’s attitude towards waste.
He highlighted the effectiveness of Singapore’s waste-to-energy plants as a way to encourage public participation in waste separation and recycling.
Tan said Johor MPMA, which was established more than 30 years ago, has taken a proactive role in community education.
“We have been promoting recycling at public events, such as our annual beach cleaning activity.
“At last year’s event in Desaru beach, we collected 300kg of trash,” he added.
