Pua Lay Peng Takes on Illegal Plastic Dumping in Malaysia

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Pua Lay Peng, an environmental activist in Malaysia, has led efforts to shut down over 300 illegal plastic recycling factories that emerged after China’s 2018 ban on plastic waste imports. Her work has improved local environmental conditions and spurred regional advocacy through ASEAN to combat the growing plastic pollution crisis in Southeast Asia.

Pua Lay Peng, a former chemist turned environmental activist, has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against illegal plastic dumping in Malaysia. Based in Jenjarom, Selangor, she witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact on her community following China’s 2018 ban on plastic waste imports, which prompted a surge in illegal plastic recycling factories across the region.

These unregulated facilities emitted noxious fumes, caused water pollution, and contributed to a rise in respiratory problems and fatigue among local residents. In response, Peng co-founded the Kuala Langat Environmental Group (Persatuan Tindakan Alam Sekitar Kuala) to mobilize community members and demand intervention from local authorities. Despite facing death threats due to her activism, she has earned the moniker "the Erin Brockovich of Malaysia" for her relentless campaign, which has led to the closure of over 300 illegal recycling operations.

Peng’s strategy involved visiting these sites, documenting the environmental violations through video, and sharing the evidence on social media platforms such as YouTube to raise public awareness and pressure officials to act. While her efforts have contributed to measurable improvements in air and water quality in affected areas, the emergence of new illegal facilities underscores the ongoing nature of the problem.

Beyond her local work, Peng’s advocacy has extended to a broader regional context. During Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, she partnered with Greenpeace Malaysia to promote human rights and environmental reforms across Southeast Asia. She emphasized the linkage between toxic pollution and human rights, urging government action on the escalating issue of the region becoming a global dumping ground for plastic waste.

Peng’s activism highlights the complex challenges faced by communities at the frontline of environmental degradation and the rising plastic pollution crisis in Southeast Asia. While progress has been made, her warnings signal the need for sustained regional cooperation to address the root causes and enforce regulations to protect both people and the environment.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.