The Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia (CICM) was established in 1978 as an industry group under the aegis of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM). The primary objective of the CICM then was to organise the chemical industry in Malaysia into a cohesive group to represent Malaysia's interest in the ASEAN Chemical Industries Council (ACIC).

As the industry grew, CICM's interest and activities also expanded and it was felt necessary for CICM to be established as a separate legal entity. Therefore on March 23, 1982, CICM was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee.

In year 2001, CICM achieved another milestone by gathering nine chairmen of sub-sector chemical groups in Malaysia (from oleochemicals, paints, cosmetics and toiletries, fertilizers, soap and detergent, petrochemicals, agriculture chemicals and pharmaceutical industry) to participate in the CICM Executive Committee as Honorary Members, with the view to establish a stronger and better representation of the Malaysian chemical and chemical related industry.

OBJECTIVES:

The main objectives of the CICM are:

• To promote co-operation among manufacturers of chemical products in Malaysia
• To promote the development of the chemical industry in Malaysia by formulating recommendations on investment and export incentives, fiscal and monetary policies and other measures
• To serve as a channel of communication between the chemical industry and the Government on matters of concern and interest to the industry
• To promote the interest of the Malaysian chemical industry in ASEAN through active participation in the activities of the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and in particular, the ASEAN Chemical Industries Council (ACIC). 

ACTIVITIES:

CICM's activities are centred on promoting the overall interests of the chemical industry in Malaysia, such as:

• Liaison with Government

CICM, being the channel of communication with the Government, maintains close working relations with the various Government departments and agencies to discuss and resolve issues and problems pertaining to the industry e.g. industrial policies, export promotion, monetary and fiscal policies, manpower training and safety, health and environmental issues.

• Trade and Business Contacts

Trade and business enquiries received by the CICM through in-coming missions and the numerous private organisations in the country and overseas are directed to members.

• Forum for Members

The CICM provides avenue for members to meet and discuss mutual issues and problems. CICM is a member of ASEAN Chemical Industries Council (ASEAN-CIC). ASEAN-CIC was formed to promote co-operation among the chemical industries in ASEAN. This is done through:

1. The exchange of information among members;
2. The identification of possible projects for ASEAN industrial joint ventures;
3. Tariff reduction under the ASEAN Common Effective Preferential Tariffs to promote intra-ASEAN Trade.

• Responsible Care Programme (RCP)

The CICM is the Malaysian steward for the Responsible Care initiative of the global chemical industry. CICM launched Responsible Care programme in 1994. CICM is the focal point for Responsible Care, an initiative of the chemical industry and adopted by chemical companies to improve continuously environmental, health and safety performance of their operations and products in manner responsible to the concerns of the public.