Malakoff vs. Single-Use Plastics: Fighting for a Greener Future

Single-use plastic is all around us found in our shopping bags, takeaway cups, and food containers. Designed for one-time use before being discarded, these plastics pollute our planet and threaten wildlife for generations. It’s time to break free from the plastic trap and embrace a more sustainable way of living.

Millions of tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans each year, suffocating marine life and damaging ecosystems. Fish, birds, and sea turtles often mistake plastic for food, leading to serious harm or even death. However, the impact extends far beyond the oceans. Plastic waste releases toxic chemicals into our soil and water, clogs our landfills, and takes centuries to decompose. Moreover, plastic production relies on fossil fuels, further driving climate change.

Millions of tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans each year, suffocating marine life and damaging ecosystems. Fish, birds, and sea turtles often mistake plastic for food, leading to serious harm or even death. However, the impact extends far beyond the oceans. Plastic waste releases toxic chemicals into our soil and water, clogs our landfills, and takes centuries to decompose. Moreover, plastic production relies on fossil fuels, further driving climate change.

Everyday Changes We Can Make

Society plays a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and addressing this pressing issue. Even small changes to our daily habits, when made collectively, can have a significant impact in cutting plastic pollution and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce plastic waste is by opting for reusable items instead of disposable products. Bringing your own reusable bottles, coffee cups, and bags can significantly cut down the demand for single-use plastics. By choosing cloth or jute bags over plastic ones when shopping, we can greatly reduce plastic waste. Similarly, using a glass or stainless steel water bottle instead of buying bottled water not only saves money in the long run but also reduces plastic consumption. Coffee drinkers can also make a sustainable switch by carrying a reusable cup, as disposable takeaway cups often contain plastic linings that make them difficult to recycle.

Refusing plastic straws and cutlery is another important step towards reducing waste. Opting for reusable or biodegradable alternatives such as metal, bamboo, or compostable straws and cutlery can significantly minimise plastic pollution when dining out or ordering takeaway. Many cafés and restaurants now offer sustainable options or incentives for customers who bring their own cutlery, making it easier to make environmentally friendly choices.

Malakoff’s Commitment to Reducing Single-Use Plastics for a Sustainable Future

Malakoff Corporation Berhad, Malaysia's largest independent power producers, is actively working to reduce single-use plastics in support of environmental sustainability. Through its subsidiary, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, the company has introduced various initiatives to minimise plastic waste and encourage sustainable practices within the community.

In March 2025, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Malakoff Corporation Berhad, launched a campaign at the Putrajaya Ramadan Bazaar to encourage the use of reusable bags over single-use plastics. As part of this initiative, reusable bags were distributed to both customers and vendors to promote sustainable habits and raise awareness of the harmful environmental impact of plastic waste. This effort aligns with Malaysia’s broader commitment to effective waste management and environmental sustainability.

Alam Flora’s efforts extend beyond distributing reusable bags. With five Ramadan bazaars operating in Putrajaya located in Precincts 3, 9, 11, 14, and 16, these markets generate six to seven tonnes of household waste daily, which the company manages. Their services include waste collection, cleaning, and the segregation of recyclable materials, as well as the management of specialised bins for liquid waste disposal.

In addition to its waste management efforts, Alam Flora has encouraged visitors to Ramadan bazaars to bring their own reusable bags and food containers to reduce waste. This initiative aims to curb excessive rubbish disposal and unnecessary purchases, helping to minimise waste generation and reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills.

Malakoff Corporation Berhad’s commitment to reducing single-use plastics reflects a broader vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Alongside Alam Flora’s impactful community initiatives, these efforts highlight the vital role businesses play in fostering environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.

However, the fight against plastic waste cannot be won by businesses alone. It requires a collective effort from individuals making conscious choices to policymakers strengthening regulations and companies rethinking their production processes. Every reusable bag we carry, every plastic item we refuse, and every effort we make to recycle properly brings us one step closer to reducing our environmental impact.