Microplastic pollution and health and relevance to the Malaysia’s roadmap to zero single-use plastics 2018–2030

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is an emerging environmental and public health threat worldwide including Malaysia. Microplastics are widespread in drinking water, but also food products especially seafood, an important dietary source for the Malaysians. Potential health hazards may be a result of chemicals, physical properties and microbial disturbance associated with microplastic exposure. However, most studies were performed in animals rather than in human. Nevertheless, in recognition of rising threat from microplastics, in 2018, the Malaysia’s Roadmap to Zero Single-use Plastics 2018–2030 has been released. In this editorial, we firstly discussed the potential impact of microplastics on human health, followed by the strategies or limitations highlighted in the Malaysia’s Roadmap.