IPOH: Sterner measures are required to tackle plastic waste management in the country, says Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
The Perak Sultan said that the "user pays" principle imposed on businesses to reduce plastic usage has proven ineffective.
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"Malaysia, though a relatively small country, is unfortunately ranked as one of the top five countries globally guilty of mismanaging plastic trash.
"Each Malaysian indiscriminately disposes of an average of 2.4kg of plastic annually," His Royal Highness said in his royal address when opening the first meeting of the third year of the 15th Perak State Legislative Assembly at the state secretariat building here on Tuesday (April 15).
"According to the UK-based Utility Bidder, Malaysia contributes to ocean pollution with 2.29kg of plastic per capita annually.
"Stricter measures need to be introduced and implemented earnestly to tackle the growing environmental challenge," he added.
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Sultan Nazrin also called on the people to serve as both the eyes and ears of the nation, to speak up and actively support efforts to prevent environmental degradation.
"Public awareness and education on sustainability initiatives are crucial, and greater emphasis must be placed on expanding these efforts.
"Education-based approaches are widely regarded as more effective in shaping long-term attitudes, and thus must be strengthened and broadened.
"Youth, students, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, as well as places of worship such as mosques, suraus, churches and temples, are strongly encouraged to take the lead in fulfilling this shared social responsibility to champion environmental sustainability," His Royal Highness added.
Sultan Nazrin said the Environment Department has collaborated with the state Islamic Affairs Department in holding strategic initiatives, including an e-waste collection programme and campaigns to avoid single-use plastics and promote recycling in mosques.
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"These efforts aim to position mosques as hubs for environmental sustainability activities, while also raising awareness among congregants about their collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment.
"Additionally, the campaign to protect the environment from pollution caused by single-use plastics in religious secondary schools has successfully heightened awareness of the harmful effects of plastic waste.
"It has encouraged the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives and fostered a green culture among the students of Perak's religious schools," His Royal Highness said.
