Persistent Organic Pollutants in Malaysia

The use of pesticides in Malaysia dated back since after the Second World War. These persistent pollutants were primarily used for agriculture and vector control. DDT, dieldrin and endrin found extensive use before they were banned recently. Most of the other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been banned in Malaysia. However, residues of these pesticides were found in various compartments of the environment such as water, sediment and biota. Nonpesticide POPs were not monitored as much but recent efforts have included monitoring and management of these POPs among other hazardous chemicals. This chapter presents the current status of POPs in Malaysia and various initiatives to manage these pollutants. 

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Malaysia An overview 

Malaysia lies above the equator between 2° and 8° N. West Malaysia and East Malaysia lie from 100° to 118° E, encompassing a large part of the 

South China Sea. West Malaysia and East Malaysia are separated by about 640 km of the South China Sea. The total land area is 329,750 km2 where West Malaysia has a total area of 131,573 km2, Sarawak has a landmass of 124,449 km2 and Sabah has a land area of 73,711km2. Approximately 80% of the combined land area is still covered with tropical rain forest while the remaining land is used for agriculture, namely, oil palm and rubber. 

Topographically, West Malaysia is characterized by extensive coastal plains in the west and east with hilly and mountainous regions and steep slopes in the central mountain range of Titiwangsa and undulating terrain in other parts of the peninsular. Sabah is characterized by the western 

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POP Seminar, 2005. Panel discussion in National seminar on persistent organic pollutants in Malaysia (POPs) Research and Management, Putrajaya, April 2005. 

Muhammad, S.A., 2006. Analysis of persistent organic pollutants in fish health risk assessment through dietary intake. M.Sc. Thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia, March 2006. 

Tan, E.C. 2001. Development of analytical methods for persistent organic pollutants in freshwater using solid phase extraction. Ph.D. Dissertation, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2001. 

DOE, 2005. Environmental Quality (Dioxin and Furan) Regulations 2004. Department of Environment, Malaysia. Paper presented at the National Seminar on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Malaysia, PutraJaya, March 2005. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2004. Draft final report on national implementation plans for the management of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Malaysia. Prepared by POPs cluster, Universiti Sains Malaysia. 

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