Integrated approach needed to tackle plastic pollution – DOF

PUTRAJAYA – Tackling the problem of plastic pollution requires an integrated approach involving government, industry and the general public, the Department of Fisheries (DOF) said.

In a statement today, the ministry said it is critical for all parties to reduce pollution and plastic use, improve waste management efficiency and promote the adoption of alternative materials to effectively tackle this problem.

Since 2019, the DOF has been conducting research on micro and macro plastic pollution in the aquatic environment of Peninsular Malaysia, especially on the northwest and east coasts, and on commercial fish tissue and shellfish.

“The findings show that the types of plastic commonly found in both local and global aquatic environments are rayon, polyethylene and polypropylene.

“These types of plastic are widely used in daily life, especially in the clothing industry, food packaging and various other industries,” said the statement released recently in conjunction with World Earth Day.

According to the DOF, chemicals used in plastic production, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, can leach into the environment and food sources, raising concerns about their long-term effects on universal health.

“The link between these chemicals and health problems such as hormonal imbalance and reproductive problems has been widely reported,” the statement said.

The department said continued exposure of fish to high concentrations of microplastics can lead to a range of adverse effects, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, DNA damage and changes in gut microbiota, which can affect the growth and quality of fish. .

“In addition, the high density of microplastics on the turtle farm beach will not only increase the temperature of the sand but also pose a threat to the development of the turtle farm,” the statement said.

Therefore, the DOF called on all parties to join forces to protect the Earth from the devastating effects of plastic pollution.

In conjunction with Earth Day, the DOF yesterday released 100 golden arowana broodstocks into Lake Bukit Merah, Perak, as part of its ongoing efforts to conserve and ensure the sustainability of the Earth’s resources. – BERNAMA