Circular Economy Challenges in Plastic Supply Chains: Public Awareness of Environmental and Health Risks in Malaysia & Indonesia

Plastic supply chains have enabled global manufacturing and trade efficiency, yet weak end-of- life management and uneven adoption of circular economy practices have created significant environmental and public health challenges. In Southeast Asia, regulatory gaps and limited waste recovery infrastructure have allowed transboundary plastic waste flows, informal recycling, and open dumping to become embedded in supply chain end-of- life processes. These practices expose communities to toxic emissions, contaminated food chains, and degraded ecosystems, making public awareness a critical factor in driving behavioural and policy responses. This study investigates public awareness of health and environmental risks associated with plastic waste dumping in Malaysia and Indonesia. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected from 162 respondents through an online survey assessing awareness, media exposure, perceived personal health risks, attitudes toward economic trade-offs, and behavioural intentions. The analysis is guided by the Health Belief Model, Risk Perception Theory, Knowledge–Attitude–Behaviour framework, and Theory of Planned Behaviour to explain how perceptions and social contexts influence environmental decision-making. Thematic and empathy mapping reveal widespread concern regarding respiratory illness, chronic disease risks, environmental degradation, and food contamination. Findings indicate that while general awareness of plastic waste hazards is high, gaps remain in understanding specific health impacts and in translating concern into sustained behavioural action. Media exposure and perceived personal risk emerge as key drivers of pro-environmental intentions, while limited trust in enforcement institutions constrains public expectations of regulatory effectiveness. The study contributes to supply chain and circular economy literature by highlighting how failures in plastic end-of-life governance manifest as community health risks and by demonstrating the importance of public perception in supporting circular transition policies. The findings provide evidence to inform targeted education initiatives, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and community engagement strategies, supporting regional implementation of global plastic governance initiatives, including the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty.