BY JAMES WONG & AWANG MUHAMMAD SYAHMI
KUCHING: Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) Sarawak Branch is urging local plastic industry and stakeholders to join the pledge towards zero plastic resin loss into the environment.
The pledge is part of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) Malaysia, an international environmental stewardship programme launched by MPMA alongside PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad on Dec 8 last year.
MPMA vice president CC Cheah said the product stewardship programme is being introduced to Sarawak, with the objective to promote good housekeeping and containment practices within companies.
“Leakages of plastic resin are unfortunately common during operations, and these plastic pallets can often leak into the drainage systems and river, which will eventually lead to microplastic pollution in the ocean.
“Adopting the operation is advantageous for both companies and the environment, it allows companies to reduce waste and simultaneously decrease plastic pollution.
“This is also to prevent the potential price hike of plastic pallets, as there has been growing pressure for International Maritime Organisation to classify plastic pellets as hazardous substances,” he said in his speech during the MPMA Sarawak Branch Roadshow 2023 at Kuching Park Hotel here yesterday.
In addition, companies can sign the pledge without incurring any costs or training as well as receive a manual on proper containment practices for plastic powder, pallets, and flakes, which will be available by end of May.
To this end, Cheah revealed that 13 companies have currently signed up as pledge partners, including ExxonMobile and Chevron Phillips, and many more are encouraging their stakeholders to sign the pledge.
