KUALA LUMPUR (July 9): The domestic downstream plastics sub-sector requires the support of a robust upstream industry to ensure its growth and sustainability, says Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Datuk Azman Mahmud.

Citing the Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project in Pengerang, Johor as an example, he said the project had opened up opportunities for plastic manufacturers to expand and develop their products for the high-end and sophisticated clientele.

“Despite the challenges, the launch of the ‘Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030’ by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change last year, presented industry stakeholders with opportunities to diversify their product offerings and move up the value chain,” he said.

Azman said this while officiating the biennial Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA)-Malaysian Petrochemicals Association (MPA)-MIDA Conference on government assistance here today, which was attended by over 120 participants.

He said industry players have to embrace business models which can adapt to changing business environments.

“Companies have no choice but to adopt automation, smart concepts and technologies in their manufacturing processes to increase productivity and competitiveness.

“Meanwhile, the government will continue to seek for favourable policies and provide the necessary assistance and facilitation to ensure Malaysia’s investment climate remains attractive for business,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking at the conference, MPMA vice-president Datuk Noraini Soltan said the plastics industry is a major supporting industry for many important sectors, including electrical and electronics, automotive and food packaging industries through the supply of plastic parts, components and plastic packaging materials.

“As companies transform, we must also continue to support our people by equipping them with new, invaluable skills they will need to further their careers, which in turn will contribute to significant economic impacts and high-value job creation in the medium- to long term,” she said.

MIDA said as of March 2019, more than 1,500 manufacturing projects in the plastics industries with investments worth more than RM18 billion has been implemented in Malaysia, which created more than 103,000 jobs in the country. — Bernama