natural layer above the earth need to be sustained as it acts as a protective layer that absorbs the
harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays from the sun. Excessive exposure tothe UV rays will cause skin cancer, eye cataracts, weaken our body resistance to fight disease as well as affect the food chain.
Excessive use of chemicals known ozone depleting substances (ODS) can deplete the ozone layer.
These include refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC)
that are largely used in oars, busses and other motor vehicles, air-conditioners, domestic and
commercial refrigeration systems and buítcling chillers. Other types of ODS are Halon, which is used
in fire prevention equipments, methyl chloroform (111-TCA) as cleaning agents, carbon tetrachloride
(CTC) used in industries and Methyl bromide as pesticides used for soil treatment in
agriculture activities as well as for quarantine and pre-shipment especially for treatment of wood products.
Malaysia has Successfully complied with the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty, that required the parties not to produce or import ohlorofluorocarbons (CFC), Halon and carbon tetra chloride by
1 January 2010. Likewise, the use of ozone depleting substances such HCFC will be phased out by
2030. Malaysia and other parties to the Montreal Protocol are implementing the HCFC Phase out
Plan (HPMP) by using alternative technologies in the manufacturing of foam products,
aír-conditioners and refrigerators. ln addition, regulatory actions will be implemented to control the
importation and consumption of HCFC in manufacturing and servicing sector. The control of HCFC will be enforced starting january 2013.
In conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the International Ozone Day celebrated on 16 September
2012, with the theme ‘Protecting Our Atmosphere for Generations to Come’, let us together pledge
to save the ozone layer for the well-being of mankind and future of this planet earth.
“PROTECTING OUR ATMOSPHERE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME”
25 Years Of The Montreal Protocol
Adapted from: http://www.doe.gov.my/portal/announcemenment-to-public/international-ozone-day-16-september-2012/
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