RECENT chemical related incidents in the country have brought to the fore the subject of “responsible care” for the chemical industry. It has also brought more public attention and scrutiny to the industry.
In this connection, the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia (CICM) should be congratulated for organising its Annual CICM Responsible Care Awards (RCA) to recognise companies and individuals who have contributed to achieving HSE Excellence in the industry. The CICM has organised the RCA for 15 years.
The Malaysian chemical industry continues to be a major contributor of manufactured exports at 6.9 per cent in 2018. It comprises diverse sub-sectors, i.e. petrochemicals, oleochemicals, basic industrial chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, organic chemicals; industrial gases, as well as chemical traders, distributors and service providers.
More than 90 per cent of the companies in the chemical industry are SMEs, while the remaining comprised multinational companies (MNCs) and large local chemical companies.
The industry plays a vital role as supplier of raw materials and contributes to the manufacturing of finished goods (such as electrical and electronics, plastic products, building materials, pharmaceuticals, etc.) and other economic sectors such as agriculture and construction.
The approved investments in chemical and chemicals products, as well as petroleum products including petrochemicals amounted to RM 20.8 billion and RM 37.9 billion in year 2017 and 2018 respectively.
While chemicals are important in our daily lives, the safe and responsible use, handling and including its final disposal are important and will come a long way in ensuring a safer and cleaner environment for the public as well as employees to work and live in.
Malaysia is rapidly becoming a developed nation but unfortunately, the increase in industrial and agricultural activities has contributed to environmental problems especially pollution due to hazardous chemicals and heavy metals.
The forming of the Toxic Waste Management and Scheduled Waste National Committee is timely and must be supported by all parties as it could help tackle indiscriminate disposal of hazardous waste in the country.
I believe that the committee is the highest platform that could make decisions on how to better manage toxic waste so that the Sungai Kim Kim incident and others would not recur.
There is a need to reflect on the fact that human beings have destroyed a lot of the diversity of nature which is so urgently needed for the stability of the earth for the coming generations. Sadly, reflection seems to be a rare activity these days. Humanity has reached the strange position where, although people from all corners of the earth are crying out to protect the environment, it is impossible to achieve it if the root problem has not been addressed.
As trustee of our planet’s resources and geo-biological diversity, we must undertake to use our natural resources in a manner that ensures conservation. As trustees, it will compel us to temper our actions with moderation and balance.
With the advent of “green corporate culture”, there is a need for businesses to be more conscious of environmental issues. Companies must realise there is more to gain by preserving the environment.
Chemical companies, being the key actor in the whole chemical value chain, must self-regulate and play its role in ensuring the safety of its workplace, the health of its employees and the surrounding public.
I understand that globally, there is already the RESPONSIBLE CARE initiative by the chemical industry, which is also adopted by Malaysia since 1994 and led by CICM as its sole custodian.
Here, chemical companies pledge their commitment to the Guiding Principles and implement the Codes of Management Practices, which goes beyond legislative and regulatory compliance. RESPONSIBLE CARE is an ethic and commitment by the chemical industry that builds confidence and trust in the global chemical industry.
A good safety track record will not only ensure the licensee to operate, but will also contribute to the productivity of the businesses, thus making the Malaysian chemical industry a more responsible and sustainable one.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE Chairman, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health