KUALA LUMPUR: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry will head the Malaysian delegation to the series of negotiations at the Fourth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) in Ottawa, Canada, from April 23 to 29.

       The series of negotiations aims to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

       Its minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, posted on Facebook on Wednesday (April 17) that Malaysia would continue its active involvement during the Global Plastic Treaty negotiation sessions by ensuring the country’s interests are not affected.

       "At the same time, environmental sustainability initiatives and economic development through fair transition will be given serious attention in line with the ministry’s policy regarding single-use plastics and plastic management sustainability,” he said, adding that he also chaired the National Negotiation Committee Meeting on the Global Plastic Treaty on Tuesday (April 16).

       The meeting, attended by other representatives from ministries, industries, non-governmental organisations and related agencies, was an engagement platform to discuss matters about the country’s direction towards the Global Plastic Treaty.

       He said that Malaysia has attended several international negotiation series on the Global Plastic Treaty at the INC level so far. – Bernama