Toward National Guidelines for Biodegradable and Compostable Bioplastics: A Case Study in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia has committed to phasing out single-use plastics as part of its national sustainability agenda; however, the specific regulatory guidelines for implementing biodegradable and compostable bioplastics remain underdeveloped. This study aims to formulate practical and scalable guidelines for biodegradable and compostable bioplastic products, with a focus on the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur as a pilot case. Using a stakeholder-driven approach, a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted with key representatives from government bodies and the bioplastics industry. The guideline development process encompassed the identification and standardisation of terminology, definition of scope, certification frameworks, regulatory alignment, implementation strategies, and compliance mechanisms. The findings reveal a consensus among stakeholders on the need for clear and harmonised definitions to prevent ambiguity, as well as for certification protocols and enforcement mechanisms to align with existing legal frameworks. Revisions were proposed to terms, scope, and timelines to ensure legal compatibility and practical enforceability. The proposed guideline framework offers substantial potential for national adoption, contingent on inclusive stakeholder engagement across all Malaysian states to ensure uniformity and contextual relevance in its implementation. This study advances Malaysia's SDG commitments by promoting sustainable bioplastics guidelines, encouraging national adoption through stakeholder engagement, and emphasising future integration of the life cycle assessment (LCA) to enhance the policy's impact.