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Assessing Community Readiness for a Plastic-Free Market in Malaysia: Evidence from Pasar Awam Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor
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Shoppers at a Malaysian public market know plastic pollution is harmful and support going plastic-free in spirit, but most still reach for plastic bags out of habit and convenience. This gap between good intentions and actual behavior matters because plastic waste breaks down into microplastics that contaminate our food, water, and eventually our bodies, meaning real change requires more than awareness campaigns, it needs easy, accessible alternatives that fit into people's everyday routines.
The intensifying urgency to address plastic pollution has increased the global interest in sustainable market practices. However, evidence on the consumer’s readiness for plastic-free transition in the Malaysian public market remains limited. This study explores community readiness for a plastic-free market at Pasar Awam Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor. Using a cross-sectional survey of 200 consumers, it examines awareness, behaviour, and policy support related to the campaign. Results show that public awareness of plastic pollution is high (78 per cent) and knowledge of environmental impacts scored strongly (mean 4.63 ± 0.58). However, consistent behavioural adoption remains moderate (mean 4.03 ± 0.71), often limited by convenience and routine shopping habits. Most respondents expressed moral support for the campaign and preferred facilitative strategies such as continuous local engagement rather than stricter enforcement. Factor analysis revealed three dimensions of readiness: behavioural convenience, moral and policy support, and social-emotional norms, explaining 64.8 per cent of the total variance. The findings indicate that the community is aware and supportive but still adjusting to sustainable habits. Practical improvements should focus on visible reminders and accessible alternatives to make environmentally responsible behaviour more convenient. Overall, the study highlights the importance of linking awareness, behaviour, and policy in shaping Malaysia's transition toward plastic-free community markets.
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Researchers surveyed Malaysians about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding plastic pollution. The study found that while most people were aware of plastic pollution problems, there was a significant gap between awareness and actual behavior change. The findings suggest that education campaigns alone are insufficient and need to be paired with practical infrastructure and policy changes to reduce plastic use.
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This Malaysian study examined public attitudes toward single-use plastic reduction through expert interviews, finding that while Malaysians are heavy users of single-use plastics, there is awareness of environmental harms. Addressing this gap between awareness and behavior change requires targeted public education and accessible alternatives to disposable plastic products.
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Researchers surveyed 50 respondents in a mixed primary-secondary analysis of plastic pollution awareness and behavior, finding that while public knowledge of plastic degradation into microplastics was high, actual behavioral change remained low — with convenience and lack of alternatives cited as primary barriers to reducing plastic use.
From Awareness to Action: A Critical Review of Public Knowledge and Behavioral Gaps in Addressing Plastic Pollution
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This review examined why public awareness of plastic pollution has not translated into meaningful behavioral change. The study found that most people focus on visible plastic waste like bottles and bags but have limited understanding of sources like microplastics from clothing and tires, with key barriers to action including convenience, cost, social norms, and distrust in recycling systems.
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