PETALING JAYA: Environmental groups are warning of a potential spike in plastic pollution in the aftermath of floods triggered by tropical storm Senyar, saying uncollected waste could create long-term environmental, health and flood-resilience issues.
EcoKnights president Amlir Ayat said floodwaters can carry large amounts of plastic waste, creating multiple risks for communities and infrastructure.
“Plastic can clog drainage and stormwater systems, leading to severe land erosion and further flooding. They also contribute to river pollution through micro and nanoplastics released from degraded plastic products.
“These pollutants have been shown to contaminate freshwater and marine food sources. It can result in serious and sometimes incurable health effects, including genetic defects,” he said.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia senior research officer Mageswari Sangaralingam said plastic litter dispersed by floods can spread across entire ecosystems.
“Floodwaters can scatter plastic waste widely. Wildlife may ingest it accidentally, leading to poisoning or death, and these contaminants can then enter the human food chain.
Mageswari urged the public to help limit further contamination by picking up litter or joining post-flood clean-up efforts.
“We should all do our part to prevent plastic from entering our drains and rivers,” she said.
