A mention on #Malaysia #trade in #wasteplastics and concern on #incinerators in "Recyclers Cringe as #SouthEastAsia Says It’s Sick of the West’s Trash" by Mive Ives, 7 Jun 2019, The New York Times. #recycling.
An excerpt from New York Times article, 7 Jun 2019
At Parlimen Malaysia last week, I reviewed recent policy issues on #climatechange and #ASEAN. It was a brief lit review. For background, I also had the chance to talk to researchers from Oxford and Cambridge, to drill on certain economic questions.
All ASEAN delegates were concerned on climate risks in the region. Progress and plans mentioned by each country. Including some discussion on #carbontax, with Singapore reflecting on its implementation. Regret on low #carbonprice was noted by Cambodia. #Wasteplastics and #landfill concerns and also caution on #incinerators.
On the sidelines, a good chat with Vietnam expert on #coconuts, farmer income, high yield and #Intercropping options; regret on the income problems for younger rural families in monocrop zones of #oilpalm and #rubber.
Had a chance to meet delegates from most member states, but Thailand and Indonesia not present due to political transitions. Other working group tracks on women, children & trafficking and terrorism.
At the 10th AIPA Caucus, Kuala Lumpur, Jun 2019
Mulling the economic and price implications of freezing durians, an important change in the Malaysian durian supply chain. Price transparency is an issue. Interviewed for “China to buy US$120 million of durians a year from Malaysia as spike in sales expected after green light on export of whole fruits,” 18 Jun 2019, Tashny Sukumuran, SCMP.
On durian prices and grades. A hefty bill for Malaysia fans? But why are Singapore prices cited as lower? BFM podcast, “WOULD YOU DUIT FOR DURIAN?” Khor Yu Leng, Independent Political Economist, Segi Enam Advisors 04-Jun-19. Produced by Tasha Fusil, BFM.
Big boys getting into Malaysia durian? Property tycoon Lim Kang Hoo connects China players (including Greenland) with FGV Berhad. He also buys Mahathir-linked. Value-added durian products eyes. Durian pizza? “As Malaysia ramps up its durian exports to China, quirky product offerings may be answer to rivalling Thailand’s dominance,” by Khor Yu-Leng, 6 May 2019, SCMP Commentary.
#durian #Malaysia #China #ChinaMalaysia #BRI
Via Linkedin Profile, other commentaries and interviews in the media are linked here.
The Pakatan Harapan administration has worked hard on the waste plastics tide that hit the shores of Malaysia in 2017-2018 (see Diagram 1 for our review of UN Comtrade data). But there is widening concern that a fast track plan for a dozen or more incinerators softens its waste plastics stance.
Selangor eyes two incinerators or waste-to-energy plants at Jeram and Tanjung Dua Belas to cost RM1.5 billion with a China company. It was China waste processors who rushed to Malaysia and other ASEAN countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia to offshore their activities on China's ban of waste plastic imports. If it is to be a dozen incinerators close to the indicative Selangor cost, the total could be RM9 billion.
At the one year anniversary of the Pakatan Harapan administration, Prime Minister Mahathir rated his cabinet "5 out of 10." How will Malaysians rate this new ambitious incinerator-waste strategy?
