Flushed, binned, forgotten: How unwanted medicines are putting Malaysia’s waterways at risk (VIDEO)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — Pharmaceutical residues discarded improperly can have severe consequences for Malaysia's waterways, affecting fish reproduction and aquatic behavior. However, many Malaysians fail to properly dispose of unwanted medicines, often tossing them in the rubbish bin due to inconvenience. As Malaysia's population grows and ages, the volume of unwanted medicines needing proper disposal is expected to rise.

Despite the Health Ministry's Pharmaceutical Services Programme (PSP) urging against flushing or burying medicines with household waste, many remain unaware of the proper methods. Studies have found pharmaceutical residues in waterways, contributing to pollution and antimicrobial resistance. The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) reported collecting 639kg of unused medicine in the first half of the year through community pharmacies.

Despite efforts, awareness of safe disposal methods remains a challenge, with many accumulating unused medication at home due to lack of knowledge about disposal services or concerns about dosage.