PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Paint Manufacturers’ Association (MPMA) which represents the collective voices of the paint manufacturing industry in Malaysia spearheaded the signing of a commitment pledge by 17 industry players to remove the use of lead-based ingredients in the manufacturing of paints by 2020.

According to the statement, the pledge is an initiative in line with the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP) movement, aimed at creating a mindset change towards the implementation of lead-free paint.

Present to officiate the “MPMA Green Forum: Towards Lead-Free Paints was The Malaysian Context” forum, Deputy Minister Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives & Consumerism (MDTCC) Datuk Henry Sum Agong.

“Lead in paint is a great concern, especially in a rapidly developing nation. It has indeed been a positive progress for the paint industry over the years in which paint is no longer seen as a decorative tool for surfaces, but rather a key tool to provide a safer environment for the population.

“Hence, it is timely that we focus on the issues of lead in paint for our health and the environment,” he said.

Currently, 59 governments worldwide have reported their commitment towards legally binding restrictions on the use of lead in paint, while 65 countries are yet to have legally-binding restrictions. There are 18 out of the 65 countries that have undertaken necessary steps for the development of legislation.

A remainder of approximately 71 countries were identified as lacking comprehension on the importance of lead-free paint and adequate information to move forward in this aspect.

In Malaysia, the current legislation allows a maximum of 90 ppm in the migration of lead in paint used in toys for children below 14 years old. MPMA continues to play a fundamental role as the bridge between the industry and government legislation, taking on an advocative role towards raising awareness amongst key industry players on the negative impact of lead in paint.

Closest to home, the Philippines is Southeast Asia’s first country to have successfully implemented legislations towards the lead-safe paint.

The forum was attended by over 100 individuals from the industry, consumer association and the government.

Key stakeholders who are interested in participating in this pledge or being a member of the MPMA can visit www.mympma.org.my.