Malaysian plastics industry seeks to amp R&D investments

To tap the larger markets, the Malaysian plastics industry is urged to increase its research and development (R&D) investments.

According to Perak Executive council member Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, during the recent signing of a skills training agreement between the Malaysian Plastic Manufacturers Association (MPMA) Perak Branch Chairman Johnson Phoon and Perak Entrepreneur and Skills Development Centre (PESDC) Chairman Datuk Gan Tack Kong, the plastics industry can take advantage of the newer technologies to break through the bigger markets now that globally significant trade pacts, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) has been signed. He also reiterated the importance of plastics to the Malaysian economy, being that some 30% to 40% of the products used on a daily basis contain plastic. Phoon said Malaysia’s plastics industry posted 5.1% growth with turnover increasing to RM17.05 billion in the first 10 months of this year, compared to RM16.22 billion last year.

Mah pertained to technological advancements such as 3D printing, which can be used to make everything from gadgets to tools, he said. Meanwhile, labour shortage in the plastics manufacturing industry was raised by Gan, who said that about 20,000 unemployed graduates in the state can take up skills training at PESDC.