PPE waste posing a big threat

Web of human folly: The surge in mask-wearing among people has led to a potent new threat to wildlife due to careless disposal of protective gear in massive quantities. (Handout photo by AFP and RSPCA UK)

PETALING JAYA: As the whole world battles the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of face masks has become a daily necessity but experts are increasingly concerned that the indiscriminate disposal of surgical face masks is harming wildlife.

Macaques in Kuala Lumpur, according to newswire AFP, had been spotted chewing on the straps of these masks, thinking they were food.