MALAYSIA has emerged as a global hub for plastic waste exports, with Japan being the top exporter of such rubbish, a report shows.

Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said in a report released yesterday that Japan exported 21.7 million kg of plastic waste per month to Malaysia in 2023

Since China banned solid waste imports in 2018, Malaysia has become an international hub for such waste, the report said.

The report “Ending Waste Colonialism, Governing Plastic Pollution: Japan’s Opportunity to Lead Asia out of the Plastic Crisis” showed the discrepancies between each country’s domestic and regional governance capacities on the movement and management of plastic waste.

It also raised serious questions on transparency, traceability, and accountability of the plastic waste trade framework. 

C4 said the report noted several major challenges for Malaysian waste management, which include illicit practices such as open burning and illegal dumping.

It also highlighted the lack of enforcement and monitoring from authorities, as well as the lack of transparency and public access to investigate regulatory compliance in importing plastic waste.  

C4 urged the Japanese government to phase out plastic waste exports to Malaysia and other non-OECD countries as a means of combating waste colonialism.

The watchdog also called upon the Malaysian government to prioritise reducing plastic production, use, waste generation, and overall  plastic dependency.

It also wanted Putrajaya to adopt Basel the Convention Plastic Waste Amendments in local laws with strict penalties for violations.

C4 said the government must also ensure transparency and public access to data to support local community efforts to address plastic waste trade issues.

“Develop a national blueprint on solid waste management and circularity with measurable, inclusive, and sustainable targets.

“Strengthen enforcement in monitoring waste shipments at ports and waste treatment at plastic recycling facilities to prevent illegal waste trafficking and illicit activities.

“Phase out plastic waste imports and focus on expanding the capacity and infrastructure in domestic waste collection and sorting.” – April 5, 2024.