KUALA LUMPUR: Climate change-related legislation will be enacted soon, as Malaysia reiterated its commitment to achieve its target of becoming a carbon neutral nation by 2050.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysia would also work with countries with similar visions through the Asia Zero Emission Community.
"This is in line with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015.
"In my keynote address at the recent Nikkei Conference in Japan, I gave my commitment that the government will enact climate change-related legislation towards achieving a carbon neutral status by 2050," he said in his speech at the World Environment Day celebration by Khazanah Nasional at Taman Tugu.
Ismail Sabri, who is also Khazanah Nasional Bhd chairman, said efforts were underway to achieve the national target of 31 per cent renewable energy contribution by 2025 and 40 per cent by 2035.
He said the government was also committed to preserving natural forest covering more than 50 per cent of the country's total land mass.
The government, he said, would also implement natural-based solutions to reduce long-term impact to the environment including planting of 100 million trees.
He also commended Khazanah on its role in preserving the 66-acre (26.7ha) green lung located near Tugu Negara, which offers respite to city dwellers and visitors.
"Taman Tugu symbolises the commitment of all parties to preserve the country's natural heritage," he said.
Meanwhile, Khazanah Nasional Managing Director and Amanah Warisan Negara (Awan) chairman of the Board of Trustees, Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said Taman Tugu was one of many societal value initiatives undertaken by Khazanah over the years and forms part of its new long-term strategy under the ambit of Advancing Malaysia.
He said Khazanah would continue to undertake other societal value-related initiatives to deliver impactful outcomes for the nation.
"I am pleased to note that through Taman Tugu, we have not only managed to preserve and
conserve the country's flora and fauna, but have also provided a recreational space for the public
to further foster wholeness, well-being and greater inclusivity among Malaysians.
"This is in line with Khazanah's societal goal of Building Capacities and Vibrant Communities," he said.
To commemorate the event, Ismail Sabri witnessed the handover of the Taman Tugu land agreement from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to Awan.