CAP’s Community Health Awareness Programme on Danger of Plastics

On 17 August 2025, in conjunction with Green Action Week, approximately 56 teachers, parents and students from Penang Suya Meiyarivagam (PSM) attended an informative talk on the dangers of toxic plastic. The programme was organised by the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) and featured a presentation by Ms Hatijah Hashim from CAP.

In her talk, Ms Hatijah explained how plastic toxicity has seriously affected the environment as well as the human body. She also highlighted safe and practical alternatives to plastic that could be adopted in daily life. The pamphlet on plastic published by CAP played an important role in strengthening her message. The participants had already read the pamphlet beforehand, which enabled them to ask thoughtful and relevant questions during the session.

The discussion began with basic questions such as “What is plastic?” and “Why was it invented?”. Ms Hatijah responded by pointing out that plastic was originally created to support human life and modern development, and while it has brought convenience, its overuse has created severe environmental and health challenges. Students were also curious about the “end life” of plastic, the government’s position on plastic management and what policy changes would be required to bring meaningful change.

Parents also raised important concerns. One parent pointed out the thin plastic layer commonly found on paper products, which many people use daily without realising its harmful effects. The quality and safety of such plastic were questioned. Participants also asked whether popular brands of plastic containers were safer than others. In response, Ms Hatijah stressed that regardless of brand, all plastic is subject to wear and tear, and therefore eventually releases harmful chemicals.

The issue of recycled plastic was another key point of discussion. Ms Hatijah explained that recycling is not the solution to the plastic crisis as recycled plastic is unregulated, often blended from different types of plastic and carries an even higher level of toxicity. This makes it difficult to identify the source and nature of the recycled material.

A question was also raised on plastic containers stored in refrigerators. Parents wanted to know whether plastic becomes more harmful when kept in cold conditions. Ms Hatijah explained that although the release of chemicals may be slower, plastic still leaches into food. She emphasised that as long as food does not come into direct contact with plastic, it may be safer, but hot cooked food touching plastic is especially dangerous as it accelerates the release of toxic substances.

The topic of single-use plastics also received much attention. Ms Hatijah highlighted common practices in Malaysia, such as drinking hot tea in plastic bags or wrapping fried noodles in plastic sheets. She explained that such practices carry serious health risks because the heat causes chemicals to migrate rapidly into food. Reusing single-use plastic items is even more hazardous, as repeated use weakens the material and increases the leaching of chemicals.

The link between plastic and human health was another area of concern. One student asked whether plastic causes cancer and infertility. Ms Hatijah clarified that it cannot be claimed that plastic alone causes such illness, but there is strong evidence that plastic contributes to health problems when combined with other risk factors.

The teachers of PSM also raised practical concerns. One teacher asked about milk sold in cartons, which are made from layers of foil and plastic. They questioned whether the combination of fat in milk and plastic would pose a health risk. Ms Hatijah confirmed that when fat comes into contact with plastic, chemical reactions are likely to occur, releasing dangerous compounds into the milk over time.

There was concern about paper wrappers which have a thin filament of plastic. Many consumers tend to overlook this although it is widely used to pack hot food. Questions were raised whether the layer of plastic is as harmful as other plastic containers.

The session concluded with the message that while plastic has supported human convenience, its uncontrolled use has created a silent but serious threat to health and the environment. Through awareness, lifestyle changes and stronger policies, society can reduce its dependence on toxic plastic and adopt safer, sustainable alternatives.

On the whole the sharing session with the community about the impacts of plastic pollution will empower them to make informed decisions and take action in their own lives and communities. When communities understand the problem of plastic pollution and harms, they are more likely to work together to develop and implement innovative solutions and shift behaviours.

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