By: Khairul Anuar Muhamad Noh
SERDANG, 2 May - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Petronas Chemicals LDPE Sdn. Bhd form a research collaboration to study the status of plastic pellet pollution along Kemaman-Paka beach, Terengganu.
UPM Vice Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dato’ Dr. Aini Ideris said the research area involved the marine ecosystem which includes coastal and humid lands.
“The efforts to monitor and study the potential hazards of plastic waste at coastal areas are important to measure the level of pollution and performance of plastic management. It is estimated that 80% of plastic pollution in the ocean comes from the mainland.”
“UPM has the expertise in the field of Coastal Ecology which covers science, technology and socioeconomics. The initiative carried out by Petronas Chemicals LPDE Sdn. Bhd. and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ismail is the first step towards collaborations in environmental issues and biological diversity,” she said.
Prof. Aini, who signed the MoU with Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Chemicals LDPE Sdn. Bhd. Alias Mamat, said that biological diversity is an indicator of environmental health that benefits the society.
According to Prof. Aini, Malaysia is among the contributors of plastic pollution in the world’s eighth ocean, and toxic waste pollution can threaten marine life and human health.
“Plastic pollution in the marine ecosystem has gained attention in the United Nations (UN) whereby all countries are urged to play an active role in the management of plastic pollution,” she said.
Also present were Manager (Health, Safety & Environment) of PETRONAS Chemicals, Naziha Mohamed Nadzirin, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Renuganth Varatharajoo and Dean, Faculty of Science, UPM, Prof. Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin bin Abdul Rahman. - UPM
