ID :
418367
Mon, 09/26/2016 - 11:34
Auther :

MPMA Upbeat On Double-Digit Growth In Plastic Products Exports

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) is optimistic of achieving double-digit growth in exports of plastic products this year, bolstered by demand in electrical and electronics (E&E), packaging and construction materials. Vice-President Raymond Chong Keong Sng said exports of plastic products had remained seemingly unperturbed by the decline in demand from the automotive industry due to the fall in car production by 18 per cent in the first half of 2016. "The weak demand from the automotive industry however is offset by the moderate growth in E&E as well as packaging and construction industries. "Our growth have been strong for the last 10 to 20 years, derived from new application for plastic products. We have already registered a 6.6 per cent increase in exports so far this year. We are still very confident it will continue to grow," Chong told reporters at the Government Policies, Facilities and Assistance for the Plastics and Mould and Die Industries seminar here Monday. He said 60 per cent of the plastic production in Malaysia were exported, accounting for US$3.14 billion (RM13 billion) worth of exports in 2015. The plastic products manufactured in Malaysia ranges from common household items, packaging materials and conveyance articles to parts and components for the E&E, automotive, office automation, computer and telecommunications industries. The seminar was a collaborative effort between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), MPMA and Malaysia Mould and Die Association (MMDA). "We appreciate the role of MIDA in facilitating the investment and reinvestment in the manufacturing sector," he said. Chong said the extension of the reinvestment allowance for another three years for the 2016-2018 period would encourage more companies to expand their operations. Interdependent with the plastic industry is the mould and die industry, which plays a key role in the form and texture of the final products. MMDA President Thay Peng Kee said the mould and die industry would see moderate growth this year, given the increasing demand for locally manufactured parts and components. "If there is a growth in the manufacturing industry then we will go along with it. "Currently, the mould and die sector is moving towards advanced manufacturing technologies to meet demands for large moulds in the automotive industry and demand for very precise moulds for the E&E and telecommunications industries," he added. On another development, MIDA Deputy Chief Executive Officer N. Rajendran said the two industries would be sending their workers to Singapore for training on the technical skills in order to upgrade their services, capabilites and production quality. "For a start, we are looking at Johor first. In Johor (Malaysia's southern state), we will be identifying a few institutions that are doing technical training and if necessary, we will be spread it across the country," he added. -- BERNAMA

X