In Response to Proposed Moratorium on Plastic Waste Imports

PETALING JAYA, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) acknowledges the recent proposal by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for a six-month moratorium on the importation of plastic and electronic waste. We commend the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening enforcement, enhancing transparency, and safeguarding our environment. However, we wish to express profound concern that a blanket suspension of legally regulated imports would inadvertently harm Malaysia’s legitimate recycling industry, undermine circular economy goals, and penalise compliant businesses. MPMA believes the core issue lies not with the established regulatory system, but with illegal operators and gaps in enforcement. Therefore, we urge a targeted, evidence-based approach that roots out bad actors while supporting responsible industry players who are integral to Malaysia’s sustainable manufacturing future.

Malaysia has, in recent years, developed one of the region’s most comprehensive and stringent control frameworks for plastic waste imports. The current system, managed by SIRIM in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DOE) and Royal Malaysian Customs, provides rigorous end-to-end oversight. This includes pre-shipment verification at the country of origin, strict contamination thresholds and material specification checks, mandatory digital documentation and traceability and thorough physical inspections upon arrival at Malaysian ports. This robust mechanism is designed to permit only clean, homogeneous, and genuinely recyclable materials into the country. A broad moratorium would effectively halt this controlled, transparent pipeline, while illegal syndicates may continue to operate outside the law. The focus must remain on enhancing enforcement and closing loopholes, not suspending a lawful and effective system.