The Malaysian and Australian Governments signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), and agreed to explore cooperation in solving marine plastic pollution, improving waste management, and creating a circular economy. In supporting the endeavor, two online workshops have been planned for 2022, to begin the dialogue between Australian and Malaysian academic institutions, Government and non-Government agencies, and industry players to address marine debris and plastic pollution. These workshops will address issues of strategic importance to Malaysia and the region, and where Australian institutions have leading capacity and knowledge to contribute policy, technical, and/or business solutions.

Upon the successful conduct of the 1st Dialogue on 10^th August 2022 (with a focus on Monitoring Mechanisms to Support the Regional and Global Agenda), Dialogue 2 will address Waste Handling, Materials Recovery, and Advanced Recycling, scheduled from 14-15 Sept. 2022.

The Malaysia – Australia Dialogue will provide an opportunity for stakeholders across the plastics ecosystem to discuss and collaborate on finding solutions to the marine plastic pollution problem. This forum recognises that marine plastic pollution is often caused by poor waste management and leakage from urban and rural environments. Comprehensive waste collection services and secure landfills are one way to stop flows of plastic into the marine environment. However, investment in materials recovery from traditional waste streams and advanced recycling technologies are also required to address the growing volumes of mixed and/or contaminated plastic waste entering the environment and being lost to the national economy.

This forum will also support further the various efforts undertaken at the national and regional levels on the area including i.e.,