Maara said it has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the fields of research, expertise, experience sharing and technological development with UTM for the purpose of drafting a practical ELV blueprint that can be implemented in Malaysia.

In a statement, it said the MoU will address issues related to the handling, disposing and remanufacturing of used vehicle parts and components.

Aimed at tackling environmental pollution in the long term, it is hoped that the proposed blueprint will also ensure sustainability for the business of its members.

The association also called for a clearly defined roadmap and policy to help it in drafting the blueprint, which will provide solutions for vehicle owners and ensure a return on their investment.

“For smart and long-term investment to happen, a clear road map is required,” it said.

“The road map will consist of effective monitoring of the recycling sector by taking into consideration actual industry practices to create a ‘win-win situation’ for the vehicle owners, recyclers and the government.”

The MoU was signed between Maara president Khan Akram Khan and UTM vice-chancellor Ahmad Fauzi Ismail in the presence of science, technology and innovation minister Dr Adham Baba at UTM’s Kuala Lumpur campus.

It noted that cooperation between academicians and industry practitioners, with support from the government, is crucial in addressing various issues faced by the public, recyclers, vehicle manufacturers and the authorities related to ELVs.

An NGO which aims to promote the automotive recycling industry in Malaysia, Maara’s 250 members across the country consist of industry players in the recycling sector such as importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers, workshop operators and remanufacturers.