Microplastic proliferation in Malaysia’s waterways: bridging knowledge gaps for environmental health

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an imperative environmental concern in Malaysia, distinguished by its insidious nature and enduring detrimental impacts. The nation grapples with challenges such as intensified industrial activities, inadequate plastic waste management, and insufficient law enforcement. There is an urgent need to address Malaysian waterways to mitigate this "Silent Killer" that compromises the food chain, with approximately 50% of MP ingestion attributed to fish, averaging 502.3 mg per individual daily. This review critically evaluates both primary and secondary sources of MP pollution within Malaysia's aquatic ecosystems, categorizing them into three distinct groups: (1) terrestrial sources, (2) aquatic sources, and (3) atmospheric sources. The regulatory frameworks and socioeconomic determinants, including the escalation of vehicle usage and industrial operations, inform these classifications. The research compilation utilized scientific databases, academic conferences, and sector-specific reports. The study underscores the paucity of information regarding MP pollution. It highlights the necessity for comprehensive investigations employing standardized methodologies and primary data collection, encompassing seafood samples, small streams, drainage systems, and sludge analysis. Additionally, secondary data sources, such as air samples from industrial precincts and aquatic environments, are essential for assessing MP. Raising public awareness about post-consumer plastic waste management and oil disposal in restaurants and workshops is crucial. Robust legal frameworks must be enacted and enforced across the nation, extending beyond urban locales, with stringent enforcement and standardized data gathering being vital for formulating effective strategies to reduce plastic waste and foster a safer ecological environment.