New sustainability commitments an opportunity to uplift Malaysia’s informal sector

Informal workers dominate the Southeast Asian labour market, making up more than half of the region’s workforce. They play a vital role in many industries, including waste management and recycling — a sector that is set to be a focus of discussions as the world turns its attention to ambitious sustainability goals. Plastic, in particular, will be at the top of the agenda as negotiations on the details of a landmark legally binding global instrument begin.

While informal workers are the backbone of waste management and recycling efforts in the region, their contributions and needs are often overlooked. As governments, investors and corporations strive to build more circular supply chains, we must not miss the opportunity to also make the sector more inclusive.