KUALA LUMPUR: A phase-down approach is being considered to stop the use of chrysotile or white asbestos, says the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said this gradual cessation of asbestos use is being discussed and studied by the Hazardous Chemicals Management task force.
Several laws are also being mulled to implement the ban, he said in a written parliamentary reply on Thursday (Feb 27).
ALSO READ: Govt mulling total ban on asbestos, says Nik Nazmi
Nik Nazmi said Malaysia has already banned five types of asbestos, with the use of chrysotile asbestos being restricted.
“There are also materials that can replace chrysotile asbestos in Malaysia,” he added.
He also noted that asbestos is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
ALSO READ: Useful, but dangerous: Asbestos needs to be phased out for our health
“In 2019, a total of 239,330 deaths occurred globally owing to asbestos exposure in workplaces,” he said.
Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar) had asked about a complete ban on asbestos in Malaysia.
