Malaysia is facing a growing environmental and public health threat due to improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste. Research indicates that 67% of Malaysians discard expired medications incorrectly, either by flushing them down the toilet or tossing them in regular trash, leading to contamination of the country's vital water sources. With 99% of Malaysia's domestic water supply coming from surface water, the presence of pharmaceutical residues in rivers and lakes poses serious risks to both human health and ecosystems.
Recognising the urgency of the issue, Alpro Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Alpro Pharmacy, Malaysia's largest prescription pharmacy chain, is taking a monumental step toward environmental sustainability and public health by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
As per the MoA, research will be conducted to classify and quantify pharmaceutical waste, assessing its environmental impact and economic implications. This study will evaluate the preparedness of key stakeholders, including healthcare providers and the public, in implementing safe medication disposal practices across Malaysia.
UiTM and Alpro Pharmacy will create innovative educational materials designed for both pharmacy students and the general public to promote best practices in medication disposal. A grassroots approach will be employed to engage communities and drive behavioral change regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal.
