MDP slams government for re-allowing plastic straw imports, calls move an environmental setback

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Tuesday criticised the government’s decision to re-allow the import of plastic straws, describing the move as an environmental setback and an insult to Maldives’ international reputation in global environmental forums.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently re-authorized the import of plastic straws and extended the deadline for banning plastic bottles between 0.5 litres and 1 litre. The changes were ratified through a presidential resolution on Saturday.

In its statement, MDP said its administration had introduced the single-use plastic phase-out policy in 2020, and banned the import of several disposable plastic items, including plastic straws, in June 2021. The party noted that the ban had been in place for more than a year and had already reduced plastic waste on beaches and in public spaces.

MDP described the government’s reversal as rolling back a key environmental measure that both the public and businesses had adapted to over the years. The party said changing such policies without adequate justification undermines confidence in environmental regulations.

The party also noted that the government has not provided any reason for extending the deadline for importing plastic straws and bottles, nor has it presented any evidence or studies to justify weakening the ban.

MDP warned that repeated delays in environmental commitments would discourage businesses from investing in sustainable alternatives and complying with future regulations. The party said the decision damages Maldives’ standing as a model country in global efforts to reduce single-use plastics.

MDP said Maldives should resume its leadership role in environmental protection and reaffirm its commitment to phasing out disposable plastics. The party pledged that an MDP government would strengthen the single-use plastic reduction policy and called on the current administration to fully implement the existing phase-out plan.

Maldives remains one of the countries with high consumption of disposable plastics, and waste levels continue to rise. Last month, the government also removed the MVR 2 levy on wholesale plastic bags, a move that, according to the relevant bill, would reduce state revenue.