The next round of plastics treaty negotiations will take place in Switzerland in August, after countries failed to agree on the rules in South Korea in December.

Studio EB Upstream interventions for waste reduction are currently underfunded compared to downstream solutions like recycling and recovery, which developing countries may lack capacity for. Financing must support a just transition for informal waste workers, NGOs urge.

Falling energy prices means cheaper virgin plastic, which tempers demand for recycled plastic among major consumer goods brands – and increases the likelihood of pollution, say experts.

The country is expected to leverage its Asean presidency to drive cooperation in the regional carbon markets. At home, Malaysia is looking to drive down emissions through a climate bill, energy sector reform and fuel subsidy cuts.