KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will express its stance at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP-26), scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from Oct 31 until Nov 12.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government's stance, to be presented at the convention for the first time, was discussed by the country's top leadership during the Malaysia Climate Change Action Council (MyCAC) meeting which he chaired earlier.
The council comprised 13 menteris besar and chief ministers, 16 Cabinet ministers, the chief secretary to the government and two experts as invitees.
"The Environment and Water Minister and I would not be able to attend the World Leader's Summit on Nov 1 and 2, as well as UNFCCC COP-26, hence the meeting has given mandate to the delegations led by the ministry to deliver the government statement.
"The meeting among others discussed and decided on the statement that would be highlighted, among others, presentation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) that will be more 'ambitious' to UNFCCC COP-26," he said in a statement.
Firstly, Malaysia intended to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 45 per cent across the economy (based on the Gross Domestic Product) in 2030 in the government's statement, he said.
He said the target was made unconditional and was 10 per cent higher than the previous one. Secondly, he said the country aspired to achieve netzero GHG emissions as early as 2050.
"The achievement of the target is subjected to the Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) that will be finalised by end of 2022 by the ministry.
"Thirdly, Domestic Emissions Trading Scheme (DETS) by the Environment and Water Ministry, with cooperation of Finance Ministry and Bursa Malaysia Bhd."
He said the scheme involved the development of a single platform for carbon credit transactions at the domestic level.
He expressed confidence that DETS would have the potential to attract low-carbon investments, improve competitiveness of Malaysian products international and generate sustainable financial resources for entities in the country.
Fourth, he said the government aimed at increasing new energy generation, with 100 per cent procurement of non-internal combustion engine (ICE) for government vehicles by 2030, retaining at least 50 per cent national forest coverage, encourage zero waste and recycling, as well as development of low-carbon cities through the Low-carbon Cities Master Plan and adoption of circular economy concept.
Fifth, he said the government had also taken into account climate change factor in engineering design for water-related infrastructures, to ensure sustainable water management.
Sixth, he said the government aimed more participation of the private sector in realising the zero GHG target as part of companies' sustainable operation agenda.
"The climate change issue must be addressed urgently by factoring in the impact of global warming caused by the increase in GHG emission through human activities."
It would have an impact on the global climate system and eventually cause extreme weather conditions, apart from affecting the country's socio-economic development if not addressed with urgency, he said.
Ismail Sabri said it was imperative that the country remained committed and progressive in dealing with climate change issue.
"I would like to stress that the climate change agenda and green technology are priorities for the country under the current government.
"Such commitment is provided in the 12th Malaysia Plan's third theme of advancing sustainability."
Ismail Sabri said Asean platform should also be used as the consultative group in voicing the region's stance.
He said it was important that the ministry played a role in leading the agenda as the issue of climate change transcended all sectors and was also now linked to international trade issues.
"Hence, the government should strengthen the country's climate change governance, by among others, establishing the national GHG centre under the ministry.
"It is important to improve transparency on reports of the country's climate change information and data managed by the centre, to enhance confidence for low-carbon investments."
He said the government must also take into account planetary health approach to address the climate crisis and protect the Malaysian Family's health.
"In line with the 'whole of nation' approach, all stakeholders are urged to contribute to the climate change agenda and making it a mainstream issue in the development plans and implementation of the national policies."