Alpro Foundation & Universiti Teknologi MARA: Addressing Malaysia's Pharmaceutical Waste

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

A study by the Malaysian Ministry of Health found that only 15% of the population is aware of the correct methods for medication disposal. Meanwhile, researchers have detected traces of antibiotics, hormones, and painkillers in 35% of Malaysia's waterways, threatening aquatic life and increasing antibiotic resistance risks. One of the biggest challenges remains accessibility—over 60% of rural households lack nearby pharmaceutical waste disposal facilities.

Recognizing 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).

A Strategic Collaboration to Drive Change

The MoA encompasses four key initiatives designed to advance pharmaceutical waste management and public awareness:

• Identifying, Categorizing, and Cost Estimation of Public Pharmaceutical Waste – Research will be conducted to classify and quantify pharmaceutical waste, assessing its environmental impact and economic implications.
• Readiness Assessment of Stakeholders – This study will evaluate the preparedness of key stakeholders, including healthcare providers and the public, in implementing safe medication disposal practices across Malaysia.
• Development of Educational Tools – 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.
• Community-Based Awareness Campaigns – A grassroots approach will be employed to engage communities and drive behavioral change regarding pharmaceutical waste disposal.

A Nation-Wide Effort for a Sustainable Future

Since the launch of the Safe Medication Disposal Campaign in 2021, Alpro Foundation has made significant strides:

• Partnered with over 800 schools and universities, reaching more than 300,000 students through school talks.
• Collected more than 100,000 pledges nationwide from walk-in customers, committing to the safe disposal of unwanted medications.
• Installed safe medication disposal bins in all 300 Alpro Pharmacy outlets nationwide, ensuring convenient and responsible disposal access for the public.
• Reached over 50,000 families through safe medication disposal outreach programs, coloring competitions, medication safety competitions, and public education events.

In 2025, the Foundation aims to further expand its impact with the Faculty of Pharmacy, UiTM:

• Enhancing Public Pharmaceutical Waste Identification & Management: Conducting large-scale data collection and classification of pharmaceutical waste to better understand its impact and advocate for improved disposal methods.
• Educating Stakeholders on Readiness & Implementation: Engaging with over 350,000 individuals, including students and corporate stakeholders, to assess and enhance their preparedness for responsible pharmaceutical waste disposal.
• Developing Educational Tools for Public & Pharmacy Students: Expanding outreach programs to 250,000 families through school talks, interactive workshops, and community engagement activities to improve public understanding of proper disposal techniques.
• Strengthening Community-Based Awareness Campaigns: Establishing a dedicated awareness landmark, the "Little Red House", outside Alpro's headquarters, serving as both a disposal hub and an educational center for the public.

Protecting Malaysia's Water Sources Through Responsible Disposal

"We have seen a growing number of healthcare providers and individuals recognizing the importance of safe medication disposal, but more needs to be done," said Mr. Ostwin Paw, CEO of Alpro Foundation. "This MoA with UiTM represents a crucial step forward in protecting our environment, enhancing public education, and ensuring future generations inherit a healthier planet."

Professor Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society, added, "Proper pharmaceutical waste management is no longer optional—it is a necessity. This partnership between Alpro Pharmacy and UiTM will help shape the future of safe medication disposal practices in Malaysia."

En. Shahiri, Senior Principal Assistant Director of Program Perkhidmatan Farmasi, Ministry of Health, who is also leading My MediSafe initiative remarked, "The Ministry of Health strongly supports this initiative, as improper medication disposal poses risks to both public health and the environment. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to enhance awareness and facilitate responsible disposal solutions."

Prof. Dato Dr Yamin Bin Yassin, Rector of UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, stated, "This collaboration with Alpro Pharmacy aligns with UiTM's commitment to community engagement and sustainability. By combining research, education, and public awareness, we can drive meaningful change in pharmaceutical waste management."

Alpro Foundation invites everyone to take part in this vital initiative. Dispose of your unwanted medications responsibly and contribute to a cleaner, safer Malaysia. For more details on the Alpro Safe Medication Disposal Campaign and to find a disposal bin near you, please visit https://www.alpropharmacy.com/services/medication-disposal-service/

About Alpro Pharmacy

With a humble beginning starting with a single pharmacy outlet in the small town of Port Dickson in 2002, Alpro Pharmacy is now a diversified community chain pharmacy that provides comprehensive primary healthcare solutions via over 300 outlets including Alpro Pharmacy, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Physio and Alpro Baby, both online and offline, nationwide. It is supported by a team of more than 650 healthcare professionals, ranging from doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians to physiotherapists and many other healthcare professionals.

Serving more than 3 million families in Malaysia, Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the country to provide RM1 million product liability insurance to safeguard the supply of genuine medications. With over 500,000 prescriptions filled per year, Alpro Pharmacy is also the largest prescription pharmacy chain in Malaysia.

For more information, please visit https://www.alpropharmacy.com.

SOURCE Alpro