Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste is contaminating Malaysia’s water sources, with 67% of Malaysians discarding expired medications incorrectly. To address this growing environmental and public health threat, Alpro Foundation has partnered with UiTM to enhance pharmaceutical waste management through research, education, and community engagement.
MALAYSIA, 27 February 2025 – Malaysia is facing a critical environmental and public health crisis due to improper pharmaceutical waste disposal. Research shows that 67% of Malaysians dispose of expired medications incorrectly—either by flushing them down the toilet or discarding them with regular trash—leading to water contamination and increased risks to ecosystems and human health. With 99% of Malaysia’s domestic water supply sourced from surface water, pharmaceutical residues detected in 35% of the country’s waterways have raised serious concerns, including antibiotic resistance and ecological damage.
To tackle this pressing issue, Alpro Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Alpro Pharmacy, Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize pharmaceutical waste management through research, public awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy.
A Groundbreaking Partnership for a Sustainable Future
The MoA outlines four key initiatives:
- Identifying and Classifying Pharmaceutical Waste – Conducting research to assess the volume, types, and environmental impact of discarded medications.
- Stakeholder Readiness Assessment – Evaluating the preparedness of the public and healthcare professionals in implementing proper medication disposal practices.
- Educational Tools Development – Creating interactive learning materials to raise awareness among pharmacy students and the general public.
- Community-Based Awareness Campaigns – Expanding grassroots initiatives to encourage safe disposal habits nationwide.
Nationwide Efforts to Improve Medication Disposal
Since launching the Safe Medication Disposal Campaign in 2021, Alpro Foundation has made significant progress:
- Partnered with 800+ schools and universities, educating over 300,000 students on responsible medication disposal.
- Installed safe medication disposal bins across all 300 Alpro Pharmacy outlets nationwide.
- Collected over 100,000 public pledges committing to safe disposal practices.
- Reached 50,000+ families through community engagement programs.
By 2025, Alpro Foundation and UiTM aim to expand their efforts by:
✅ Conducting large-scale data collection on pharmaceutical waste.
✅ Educating over 350,000 individuals, including students and corporate stakeholders.
✅ Enhancing public outreach programs, engaging 250,000 families through workshops and school talks.
✅ Establishing “The Little Red House”, an educational landmark and medication disposal hub at Alpro’s headquarters.
A Call to Action for a Cleaner, Safer Malaysia
Ostwin Paw, CEO of Alpro Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for action:
“We are making strides in safe medication disposal, but there is much more to be done. This MoA marks a significant step in protecting our environment and ensuring a healthier future for all Malaysians.”
Professor Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society, echoed these sentiments:
“Proper pharmaceutical waste disposal is no longer optional—it is essential. This partnership will help shape future practices in Malaysia.”
With growing support from the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders, this initiative is set to drive long-term change in medication disposal habits nationwide.
Alpro Foundation encourages the public to take part in this mission. Dispose of expired medications responsibly at designated collection points and help build a sustainable future.
