M'sia reaffirms strong waste stance

The Star

19-05-2025

Nation committed to addressing its movement and disposal, says Nik Nazmi
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has ­reaffirmed its strong stance on controlling the transboundary movement and disposal of ­hazardous waste at the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs), held from April 28 to May 9 in Geneva, Switzerland, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad ( pic ).
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Min­ister said Malaysia's participation in the summits reflected its firm commitment to address the movement and disposal of hazard­ous waste.
'As a developing nation, Mal­ay­sia has consistently been active and vocal in voicing its position at the negotiation table, particularly on the control of hazardous waste and chemical imports into the country. This meeting also served as the first platform for Malaysia to represent Asean's voice – that Asean is not the world's dumping ground for toxic, problematic or hard-to-recycle waste,' he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama repor­ted.
The BRS COPs consist of three key multilateral environmental agreements that govern the management of hazardous chemicals and waste.
The Basel Convention focuses on reducing the generation of hazardous waste and regulating its cross-border movement.
The Rotterdam Convention over­sees international trade in hazardous chemicals, while the Stockholm Convention addresses the control of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Nik Nazmi said he exchanged views with his counterparts from other member states on the impact of poorly regulated hazard­ous chemicals and waste, particularly in relation to climate change and biodiversity loss.
He also held bilateral talks with Qatar's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah Abdulaziz Turki Al Subaie, to explore potential cooperation through a memorandum of under­­standing in environmental protection and climate change.
'I also held a brief meeting with representatives of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty and the executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, to discuss ways to finalise and implement the Global Plastics Treaty in a fair, effective and practical manner,' he added.
Nik Nazmi said Malaysia will continue its collaboration with the Basel Action Network (BAN) and reaffirmed its commitment to combat the illegal import of e-waste and plastic waste, especially from developed countries.
'My discussion with BAN executive director and founder Jim Puckett focused on Malaysia's efforts to intercept and return illegal waste shipments, and the importance of cooperation in information sharing and regional enforcement,' he said.
He emphasised the need for Malaysia to maintain an active role at the international level to safeguard national interests in addressing environmental pollution, especially in the control of the movement of hazardous waste and chemical imports.
'Such commitments ensure Malaysia remains focused on key negotiation issues and continues to stay on the right path in protecting both human well-being and the environment,' he said.