KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 1 -- From disrupting fish reproduction to altering aquatic behaviour, pharmaceutical residues can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems when expired or unwanted medicines are improperly discarded.

Yet for many households, disposing of old medicines remains an afterthought, with the rubbish bin often the most convenient option when returning them to a healthcare facility or pharmacy seems too troublesome.

As pharmaceutical consumption rises alongside Malaysia's growing and ageing population, the volume of unwanted medicines requiring proper disposal is also likely to increase.

According to the Health Ministry's Pharmaceutical Services Programme (PSP), many people mistakenly believe expired medicines can be thrown aw...