MALAYSIA PROMOTES SPECIALISED AND HIGH-END PLASTIC PRODUCTS

From left: Mr Philip Kong Chock Hoon, Vice President, Malaysian Petrochemicals Associations (MPA); YBhg Dato' Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); YBhg Datuk Noraini Soltan, Vice President of Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA). 

                                          YBhg Datuk Noraini Soltan, Vice President of MPMA 

9 July 2019, Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) and the Malaysian Petrochemicals Association (MPA) co-organised the biennial MPMA-MPA-MIDA Conference on Government Assistance at MIDA headquarters today. The Conference, attended by over 120 participants, aimed to create awareness and update members on the various Government policies, facilitation and assistance available for the plastics industry.

YBhg Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA officiated the Conference said that the growth and sustainability of the domestic downstream plastic sub-sector require the support of a robust upstream industry. The positive progress of Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project by PETRONAS in Pengerang, Johor is a good example whereby its development has directly opened up opportunities for plastic manufacturers to expand and develop their products for higher end and sophisticated clientele.

“Despite the challenges faced, the launch of the Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030 by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) last year presented industry stakeholders with opportunities to diversify their products offering and move up the value chain. Industry players have to embrace adaptable business models that are receptive to changing business environments. Companies have no choice but to adopt automation, smart concepts and technologies in its manufacturing process to increase productivity and competitiveness. The Government, on the other hand, will continuously seek out favourable policies and provide the necessary assistance and facilitation to ensure Malaysia’s investment climate remains attractive for businesses,” added Dato’ Azman.

Speaking at the opening of the Conference, Datuk Noraini Soltan, Vice-President of MPMA, reaffirmed the plastics industry’s position in the manufacturing sector. “The plastics industry is a major supporting industry to many other important sectors including the electrical and electronics, automotive and food packaging industries through the supply of plastic parts and components as well as plastic packaging materials. It is also recognised as a top exporter of plastic packaging materials among the Asian countries,” she said.

                               YBhg Dato' Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA  

“This Conference is an excellent avenue for plastics manufacturers to be aware of pertinent Government policies and facilitation to enhance trade facilities and operational efficiency so that they are able to adopt new technologies and grow their businesses. As companies transform, we must also continue supporting our people by equipping them with new, invaluable skills they will need to further their careers. This, in turn, will contribute to significant economic impact and high-value job creation in the medium to long term,” added Datuk Noraini.

As of March 2019, more than 1,500 manufacturing projects in the plastics industries with investments valued over RM18 billion has been implemented in Malaysia. These projects have created more than 103,000 employment opportunities in the country.

The MPMA-MPA-MIDA Conference on Government’s Assistance featured sessions by speakers from MIDA, MPA, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Malaysia Green Technology Corporation (MGTC), followed by breakout sessions to address one-to-one queries from participants.

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.  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 platform to assist members in being globally competitive.

MPMA currently has about 750 members comprising Ordinary members, which represent about 60 per cent of plastics manufacturers in the country and account for 80 per cent of the country’s total production of plastic products, as well as Associate members who are mainly raw material and machinery suppliers.

About MPA

The Malaysian Petrochemicals Association (MPA) was officially formed on March 19, 1997, and it is a formal Association registered with the Registrar of Societies, Malaysia. MPA has 23 members engaged in the manufacture and trading of petrochemicals and plastic resins.

The main objectives of the Malaysian Petrochemicals Association (MPA) are as follows:

Ÿ  To provide a forum to discuss and resolve common problems of the petrochemical industry.

Ÿ  To provide a focal point for the petrochemical industry to liaise with the public and government and to make recommendations on relevant issues.

Ÿ  To advance the philosophy of Responsible Care, its implementation and compliance throughout the industry.

Ÿ  To represent the petrochemical industry within Malaysia to interface with similar groups on an international basis.

Ÿ  To compile and disseminate information of common concerns and provide facilities for consultation and exchange of views between members.

The Plastic Resins Producers’ Group (MPA PRPG) is a product group under the MPA.   Membership in PRPG is open to manufacturers of plastic resins in Malaysia.    MPA PRPG currently has 10 members.

About MIDA

MIDA is the government's principal promotion agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become an active and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA today has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.