MALAYSIA will revise its nationally determined contribution by 45% by 2030 as opposed to the 2005 levels in efforts to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar said these efforts have been incorporated into the 12th Malaysia Plan and the National Energy Policy 2022–2040.

“This policy document strategically charts the way forward and outlines key priorities for the energy sector in the coming years,” he said in his keynote address at Energy Asia 2023 in Kuala Lumpur today. 

“It positions the energy sector as a key catalyst for socio-economic development and its progressive Low Carbon Nation Aspiration will ensure the Malaysian economy is able to capitalise on opportunities arising from the energy transition to remain resilient and sustainable.

“The government is further developing several strategic roadmaps to implement this policy successfully so as to reap the full benefits of the significant socio-economic advances for the nation.

“Of paramount importance is the National Energy Transition Roadmap, which will outline the overarching strategy and high-impact initiatives to expedite the energy transition efforts,” he said.

Anwar assured that Malaysia will continue to see natural gas as playing an important role in the energy mix and as one of the cleanest burning hydrocarbons.

He also said the government recognises the importance of managing methane emissions as a highly potent GHG and have committed to join the global methane pledge to cut emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.

Last month, Anwar spoke on the phone with United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, saying Malaysia hoped to continue working with the US on issues involving the transition to renewable energy, reduction of methane gas emissions, climate finance and technologies.

Anwar added that he and Kerry discussed various issues related to the environment, renewable energy and the worsening climate change and its devastating effects around the world, including about Malaysia’s aspiration to achieve net zero GHG emissions as early as 2050. – June 26, 2023.