EARTH DAY: RECYCLING CONTRIBUTES TO SUSTAINABILITY
 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian plastics industry welcomes and supports the Government’s drive to ensure environmental protection is in tandem with Malaysia’s physical development, as stated by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Taman Tugu World Earth Day celebrations on 20 April 2019.
 
This is why as responsible manufacturers, the members of the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) and the Malaysia Plastic Recyclers Association (MPRA), we support the Circular Economy model where the redeployment and reuse of resources is a key organising principle.
 
Recycling plays an important role in protecting the environment and properly managing and disposing of waste. As an economic activity, recycling creates new value that benefits society and contributes to sustainability.
 
A new framework was recently introduced by Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, with 18 new criteria to ensure the legitimate recycling industry adheres to responsible practices which do not harm the environment.
 
That said, we take the stand that Malaysia has no place for other countries’ rubbish, and that we should not become the developed world’s dumping ground.
 
Local and international coverage of Earth Day have highlighted that developed countries such as the US and Australia are only now realising that they have been exporting household and municipal waste to South East Asia, and Malaysia in particular.
 
The Government has clamped down on the rampant smuggling of overseas household and municipal waste into Malaysia, as well as illegal operators who process the smuggled rubbish. The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, led by Minister Yeo Bee Yin, has closed down more than 150 of these illegal operations since July last year.
 
We continue to support and are ready to assist the Government in their efforts to crack down on these unscrupulous and illegal operators and to protect the environment.
 
MALAYSIAN PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (MPMA)
MALAYSIA PLASTIC RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION (MPRA)
 
About MPMA
The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA), established in 1967, is a progressive trade association providing leadership and quality service to its members and the plastics industry with due care to the environment. MPMA is the official voice of the Malaysian plastics industry, representing its members and the industry in Government interaction, spearheading the plastics industry’s growth and providing the platforms to assist members to be globally competitive.
 
One of MPMA’s current focus is on plastics and sustainability whereby activities involve communication, education and public awareness.  
 
MPMA currently has about 800 members comprising Ordinary members, which represent about 60 percent of plastics manufacturers in the country and account for 80 percent of the country’s total production of plastics products.
 
About MPRA
The Malaysian Plastic Recyclers Association (MPRA) was formed in 2014 to spur the growth of the plastic recycling industry, enhance integrity and engage with Government and regulators. MPRA aims to keep members informed of industry developments in order to stay globally competitive amid the recent growth of the plastic recycling industry and the increasingly sophisticated operating environment. MPRA plays a key role in building a sustainable platform for the plastics recycling industry, and supports sustainable practices and education.
 
SOURCE : MALAYSIAN PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (MPMA) AND MALAYSIA PLASTIC RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION (MPRA)
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Lee Siew Lian
Millennium Associates
Tel : 019 321 3139
Email : siew@millennium.net.my
 
Name : Lim Shee Pinn
Millennium Associates
Tel : 012 350 1821
Email : splim@millennium.net.my
 
--BERNAMA