Putrajaya: A total of 126 participants, including university researchers, scientists, policymakers, industry players, and environmental activists from 10 countries, are attending the 1st International Conference on Microplastics 2026 (ICM2026) in Putrajaya.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the conference is organized by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and spans two days, commencing today. Its primary objective is to address the critical issue of microplastic pollution affecting marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems.

UMT vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim emphasized that hosting this conference highlights the university's leadership in marine, maritime, and aquatic sciences, as well as its dedication to high-impact research supporting environmental sustainability and evidence-based policy development. The event is facilitated by UMT's Microplastics Research Interest Group (MRIG) and UMT Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd (UMTCS).

Participants from a diverse set of countries, including Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, China, Japan, Canada, India, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand, have gathered to discuss the pressing environmental challenge posed by microplastic pollution. Dr Mohd Zamri noted the global concern surrounding microplastics due to their pervasive presence in oceans, rivers, sediments, and the food chain, with potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health.

The conference agenda includes presentations of the latest research findings, discussions on new technologies, environmental monitoring, ecological and human health impacts, pollution control strategies, regulatory frameworks, and future research directions. Dr Mohd Zamri expressed hope that ICM2026 will bolster international research networks, encourage joint publications, expand researcher and student mobility, and enhance collaboration between academic institutions, the industrial sector, and communities to more effectively combat microplastic pollution.