The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) was quoted in a New Strait Times report (in English) as saying that the industry remains robust and sales increased 8.3 percent in the first half of this year. Exports, in particular, rose by 18 percent.

Lim Kok Boon, the president of MPMA, said the industry was expected to benefit from stable raw material prices and an improving supply situation of resin.

MPMA's executive director ST Giam noted in a recent announcement that Malaysia cut import duties August 30 for polyethylene and polypropylene resins from 25 percent to 20 percent; polystyrene and PVC from 15 percent to 10 percent; and for plastic finished products from 25-30 percent to 20 percent. But the prevailing import duties under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement remain unchanged at 5 percent.

MPMA will host its fourth International Plastic Conference Nov. 4-5 in Kuala Lumpur.