Latest news with #MalaysianSustainableNaturalRubber
New Straits Times
07-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysian rubber industry must set new ESG benchmarks: Chan
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's rubber industry must not only meet global standards but set new benchmarks to remain competitive in high-value markets, said Plantation and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin. He stressed that alignment with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles is non-negotiable. "The future of rubber holds vast potential, from medical innovation to sustainable mobility. But this can only be realised through firm ESG leadership and systemic resilience. "Sustainability is no longer a competitive edge, it is now a prerequisite for market access. Stakeholders—investors, buyers, consumers, and regulators—demand genuine ESG integration across the supply chain," he said when officiating the Malaysian Rubber Industry ESG Conference (MREC 2025) today. Chan said Malaysia has been categorised as a standard-risk jurisdiction under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). "However, that label does not fully reflect our advanced regulatory frameworks or the realities on the ground. "The classification has sparked debate, and rightly so. But rather than merely contesting it, Malaysia is demonstrating compliance through action," he said. He added that the country is implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy, underpinned by legality verification, traceability, zero-deforestation commitments, labour rights protection, and environmental stewardship. "These pillars form the foundation of the Malaysian Sustainable Natural Rubber (MSNR) framework, launched in January 2025 by the Malaysian Rubber Board," he said. Held under the theme "Creating Opportunities Amid Sustainability Challenges," MREC 2025 comes at a critical juncture as Malaysia ramps up efforts to enhance traceability, regulatory compliance and sustainable production across its rubber value chain. These efforts are particularly timely amid growing global scrutiny, including the enforcement of the EUDR and other ESG-related trade requirements. The conference aligns with the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities' broader strategy to position Malaysia as a trusted global supplier of sustainably produced commodities. –
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia launches digital rubber traceability system
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government has launched the Malaysian Sustainable Natural Rubber (MSNR) Trace system, a digital platform designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the rubber supply chain. The system enables stakeholders to monitor natural rubber transactions from plantations to finished products, addressing environmental and social concerns in the industry. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin emphasized the system's role in positioning Malaysia as a global leader in sustainable rubber production. 'With technology like MSNR Trace, Malaysia is at the forefront of transforming the rubber industry,' he said during the system's launch. The MSNR Trace integrates existing digital platforms managed by the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), including PAT-G, RRIM Geo Rubber, RRIMniaga, RRIMestet, and MyLesen. Chan warned that non-compliance with traceability requirements could result in fines up to RM50,000, imprisonment, or license revocation under the Malaysian Rubber Board (Licensing and Permit) Regulations 2014. A major challenge in the rubber sector has been the absence of a full traceability system. The MSNR initiative is expected to strengthen Malaysia's rubber exports, particularly to the EU, which accounted for RM4.91 billion (15.6%) of the country's total rubber and rubber product exports in 2024. The system's enforcement since January 2025 underscores Malaysia's commitment to meeting international sustainability standards. Last December, Malaysia exported its first batch of MSNR-certified rubber—200 tonnes to Slovakia and the Netherlands—marking a milestone in compliance with EU regulations. MRB director-general Datuk Zairossani Mohd Nor highlighted the achievement as proof of Malaysia's credibility in the global rubber trade. 'Traceability, regulatory compliance, and innovation make Malaysia a reliable partner in the rubber industry,' he said.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia launches digital rubber traceability system for sustainable exports
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government has launched the Malaysian Sustainable Natural Rubber (MSNR) Trace system, a digital platform designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the rubber supply chain. The system enables stakeholders to monitor natural rubber transactions from plantations to finished products, addressing environmental and social concerns in the industry. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin emphasized the system's role in positioning Malaysia as a global leader in sustainable rubber production. 'With technology like MSNR Trace, Malaysia is at the forefront of transforming the rubber industry,' he said during the system's launch. The MSNR Trace integrates existing digital platforms managed by the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), including PAT-G, RRIM Geo Rubber, RRIMniaga, RRIMestet, and MyLesen. Chan warned that non-compliance with traceability requirements could result in fines up to RM50,000, imprisonment, or license revocation under the Malaysian Rubber Board (Licensing and Permit) Regulations 2014. A major challenge in the rubber sector has been the absence of a full traceability system. The MSNR initiative is expected to strengthen Malaysia's rubber exports, particularly to the EU, which accounted for RM4.91 billion (15.6%) of the country's total rubber and rubber product exports in 2024. The system's enforcement since January 2025 underscores Malaysia's commitment to meeting international sustainability standards. Last December, Malaysia exported its first batch of MSNR-certified rubber—200 tonnes to Slovakia and the Netherlands—marking a milestone in compliance with EU regulations. MRB director-general Datuk Zairossani Mohd Nor highlighted the achievement as proof of Malaysia's credibility in the global rubber trade. 'Traceability, regulatory compliance, and innovation make Malaysia a reliable partner in the rubber industry,' he said.
