MAEH Journal of Environmental Health

Urban Plastic Waste and Microplastic Pollution: Emerging Health Risks and Integrated Management Strategies

Muhamad Fareez Abdul Rashid — 2025-10-26

Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, is a serious issue in Malaysia due to its hidden health risks and poor waste management. This article focused on current trends, challenges, and impacts of urban plastic waste and microplastics, how different groups like industries, the government, and the public contribute to the problem, and exploring potential solutions. The findings revealed several key themes. First, there is weak enforcement of existing plastic regulations, making it easier for plastics to pollute the environment. Second, most households do not separate waste at the source, which complicates recycling efforts. Third, awareness about the dangers of microplastics is low among the public, leading to less responsible waste disposal. Several barriers to solving this issue were also identified. The infrastructure for waste collection and recycling is inadequate, making proper waste management difficult. There is over-reliance on informal recycling systems that are often not effective or sustainable. Furthermore, current biodegradable plastic options are not a complete solution unless the necessary facilities are available to properly handle them. Many people noted that without proper disposal infrastructure, biodegradable plastics can still end up polluting the environment. Most stakeholders agreed that solving plastic pollution requires a collective effort. Everyone from workers and industries to government agencies and citizens needs to work together. Education and awareness programs were seen as vital to changing behaviours. Additionally, effective communication and public incentives can encourage responsible waste disposal and recycling. The article recommends improving waste laws, offering incentives to motivate proper waste management, and increasing education about the harms of plastic pollution. Overall, these efforts can help create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for Malaysia, protecting both the ecosystem and public health.

From Urban Kitchens to Landfills: Transforming Food Waste for Malaysia’s Health and Sustainability

Mohd Syamir Mat Tajudin Mustapa — 2025-10-26

Food waste is a pressing global issue that poses significant challenges to the environment, economy, and society, particularly regarding food security and resource sustainability. In Malaysia, food waste constitutes the largest segment of municipal solid waste, exacerbating landfill burdens and contributing to severe pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and leachate. This manuscript presents a comprehensive study that qualitatively analyzes interviews conducted with Malaysian industry experts from the hospitality and food manufacturing sectors, as well as academics and government representatives, alongside a review of existing literature. This study aims to map the prevalence of food wastage, identify its causes, and examine the implications of food waste in Malaysian urban households and the hospitality and food service (HaFS) sectors. The findings indicate that while larger companies often implement commendable internal waste management practices driven by Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, substantial food waste persists in the HaFS sector. This waste primarily arises from operational inefficiencies, overproduction, and consumer behaviour. Crucially, the study highlights systemic shortcomings in Malaysia's governance of food waste, including the absence of mandatory reporting, ineffective incentives or penalties, poor data management and enforcement coordination, and a general lack of public awareness. To address these issues, this paper proposes transformative mechanisms to help achieve Malaysia’s sustainable development goals. These include enforcing stronger policies, mandating data tracking, and establishing robust regulatory frameworks. Enhanced public-private collaboration among government, industry, and academia is recommended to develop integrated waste-to-resource solutions. Moreover, innovative technologies, such as advanced composting and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) bioconversion, play a vital role in effectively diverting organic waste. Finally, ongoing public awareness and educational initiatives are essential to foster responsible consumer behaviours and proper waste segregation practices. This interdisciplinary approach aims to propel Malaysia toward a circular economy, yielding benefits for environmental sustainability and overall well-being.

Building Responsibly: Managing Construction Waste for a Healthier Future

Zuriani Tarmidi — 2025-10-26

In Malaysia, urbanization and population growth contribute to increase in construction waste. The waste management practices in the construction industry are insufficient, which has led to illegal dumping and health risks. The efficiency to manage construction waste is challenging due to limited space, lack of awareness and insufficient enforcement. Mismanagement construction waste can cause environmental and health impacts such as respiratory problems and diseases especially to marginalized communities. Policy frameworks and MyCREST aim to promote sustainability. While BIM and IBS are introduced to reduce waste and improve management in the construction industry. It is also highlighted that education and awareness are important to improve practices. Other than that, policy and enforcement are needed for sustainable waste management. To address challenges in construction waste management, holistic urban health approach, incorporating better waste segregation, timely disposal and green technology are important. This article aims to highlight the challenges of construction waste management, evaluate the use and awareness tools and to assess the environmental and health impacts of construction waste in Malaysia.

Bridging Compliance and Commitment: Deforestation and Climate Resilience in Malaysia

Darwisha Nadia Daman Huri — 2025-10-26

Malaysia’s tropical forests are critical to global biodiversity and climate regulation, yet they face escalating threats from deforestation driven by urban expansion, monoculture plantations, and industrial development. This paper investigates the systemic challenges underlying forest degradation and climate vulnerability in Malaysia, emphasizing the disconnect between regulatory compliance and genuine environmental commitment. Drawing on interdisciplinary insights, the study outlines strategic pathways for climate-aligned transformation, including forest genomics research, mixed-species reforestation, circular economy models, and climate-integrated governance frameworks. The analysis highlights the need for cohesive national strategies that align ecological preservation with industrial innovation and policy reform. By integrating scientific evidence, sustainability practices, and governance mechanisms, the paper offers actionable recommendations to enhance Malaysia’s environmental resilience and long-term sustainability.

Resilient Cities: Responding to Climate Change Challenges in Urban Environments

Muhammad Salihin Mohd Sabri — 2025-10-26

Climate change poses risks like heart and lung disease, thus impacting public health. The factors contributing to climate change, including electric power generation, manufacturing, deforestation, and transportation, are all linked to urbanisation. Organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, in collaboration with the Ipoh City Council (MBI) and Malaysian Association of Environmental Health (MAEH), a podcast broadcasted live on 5 June 2024 on the Facebook and YouTube platforms of the Studio Radio and TV, Bandaraya Ipoh (RTBI) aimed to explore comprehensive approaches to tackle infrastructure, public health, and informal settlement issues amidst climate change. It served as a crucial platform addressing urban resilience in Malaysia with the Ipoh City chosen as a role model city to be discussed. A total of three panellists were invited. The first topic on the health co-benefits of climate mitigation through active and public transportation in urban areas was presented by Professor Dr Jamal Hisham Bin Hashim, an Honorary Member of MAEH. Then, YB TPr. Haji Mohd Zainal Bin Abdul Hamid, the Director of Town Planning at Ipoh City Council, shared insights on Ipoh's initiatives in line with Ipoh Low Carbon City 2030. The third panellist, YB TPr. Dr. Zulqarnain Bin Mohamad, the Chief Secretariat of Ipoh Doughnut Economic City 2027, presented the innovative approaches of Ipoh Doughnut Economic City.

Prevalence and Ergonomic Risk Factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Health Sciences Students in Puncak Alam, Selangor

Najwa Ab. Karim — 2025-10-26

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a leading occupational health concern, increasingly affecting student populations engaged in prolonged sedentary and study-related activities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs among undergraduate students at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam, Selangor, and to evaluate ergonomic risks associated with study postures. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 students from eight health science programmes, selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire incorporating sociodemographic variables and the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNQ), while ergonomic risks were assessed via direct observation with the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28, with significance set at p≤0.05. Results indicated that the most common musculoskeletal complaints within the past 12 months were neck (62.1%), upper back (60.3%), lower back (59.5%), and shoulder pain (58.6%). Wrist/hand discomfort was reported by 49.1% of participants. RULA assessment showed that 85.3% of students scored 3–4, indicating medium ergonomic risk requiring further investigation, while 14.7% scored 5–6, suggesting corrective measures are needed. No significant association was found between MSD symptoms and RULA scores. The findings highlight the considerable burden of WMSDs among health sciences students and underscore the importance of ergonomic awareness, improved study environments, and preventive strategies. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causal relationships.

The Association Between Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) Symptoms and Work Posture Among Courier Service Workers in Puncak Alam

Nazatul Hana Nordin — 2025-10-26

The courier service industry is rapidly expanding, leading to an increased demand for deliveries and greater physical strain on workers. This heightened workload raises the risk of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). This cross-sectional quantitative study, conducted in courier service companies in Puncak Alam, Selangor, aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSD symptoms and their association with workers' postural angles. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were applied for data analysis. Findings revealed the highest prevalence of WMSDs are found in the lower back (71.1%), followed by shoulders (63.2%). Significant associations were identified between neck position and WMSDs in the neck (p=0.001) and shoulders (p=0.027), trunk position with shoulders (p=0.047) and upper back (p=0.017), leg position with lower back (p=0.030), hips/thighs (p=0.043), and ankles/feet (p=0.002), and lower arm and wrist positions with respective WMSDs. The results suggest that awkward postures, such as frequent bending, twisting, and forward flexion, contribute to ergonomic hazards, highlighting the need for effective ergonomic interventions to prevent WMSD development.

Low-Cost Adsorbents (Potato Peels, Banana Peels And Eggshells) For The Treatment Of Heavy Metals From Car Wash Wastewater

Mohammad Ridzuan Mohd Nidzam — 2025-10-26

Introduction: The increasing demand for car wash services has led to the discharge of large volumes of wastewater containing heavy metals such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) into the public water system. These contaminants primarily originate from the gradual wear of vehicle components such as brake pads, tires, and corroded metallic parts. Such metals pose significant risks to aquatic ecosystems, human health, and environmental sustainability. Conventional treatment methods are often costly and unsustainable, highlighting the need for alternative eco-friendly approaches. Objective: This study evaluated the potential of natural waste-derived biosorbents (banana peels, potato peels, and eggshells) for the removal of heavy metals from car wash wastewater. Methodology: Wastewater samples were collected from five commercial car wash premises and analysed in the laboratory. The biosorbents were processed into three particle sizes (0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 2.0 mm) and applied to the wastewater samples. Heavy metal concentrations before and after treatment were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), and data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Among the tested biosorbents, eggshells demonstrated the highest removal efficiencies (dosage of 2.5g/100ml, contact time of 4hrs, pH4 at room temperature), achieving 88.30% for Fe, 54.44% for Mn, and 65.52% for Zn, outperforming Potato peels and banana peels. Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential of natural biosorbents, particularly eggshells, as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives for treating heavy metal-contaminated wastewater from car wash effluents. Adoption of such waste-derived materials may reduce reliance on conventional treatment methods while contributing to environmental protection and resource sustainability.