LETTERS: Energy has a significant impact on politics. Voters have always been interested in lowering their electricity bills, but as global awareness of climate change has increased, voters and the public should support clean and renewable energy sources.
Therefore, political parties must embrace renewable energy to address newly emerging environmental issues.
Additionally, politicians should be criticised for playing politics with energy and emissions and should do more to meet the Paris climate agreement's emission targets.
Climate change is an inevitable problem that must be addressed in a fair and responsible manner.
Malaysia has reached a critical stage in the fight against the climate and biodiversity crises, as it increases efforts and commitments to transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, said caretaker Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
He said this implied a progressive and comprehensive transformation of the country's economic and financial systems — in addition to sectors related to food, water and energy, as well as essential commodities — in a sustainable, equitable and transparent way.
The high demand for energy, combined with the climate change challenges posed by carbon emissions, has compelled the government to embark on a energy-generation diversification strategy that allows for greater use of renewable energy sources.
Vietnam, for example, has seen its solar power sector booming.
Malaysia has a promising outlook for the adoption of renewable energy sources and exploring new frontiers are valuable opportunities for success.
A new source of renewable energy will add value to the value chain, resulting in many national benefits.
Renewable energy sources generate a substantial portion of the nation's electricity. Renewable energy is gaining popularity as part of the clean energy transition, and Malaysia should seek to innovate and participate in the development of marine renewable energy sectors.
In marine areas, renewable energy sources, such as wave, tidal, and ocean thermal, are abundant.
It has the potential to bridge the gap between economically feasible, civilised, and environmentally-friendly energy to support the economic growth of Malaysia.
To ensure accountability and inclusivity, the legal framework governing energy provision must be open and accessible.
The National Energy Policy should consolidate policies and plans relating to energy production, distribution, and consumption, as well as provide insight into gross domestic product priorities for increasing renewable energy production.
It is crucial for the implementation of a National Energy Policy to ensure that energy initiatives are cohesive and comprehensive for the nation's benefit, including the management of the energy paradox of shares, security and environmental stewardship.
Due to its extensive coastline, Malaysia has a tremendous opportunity to become an influential and effective steward of marine renewable energy production, while balancing economic and environmental concerns.
Renewable energy deployment will generate jobs and open up new business opportunities for the industrialisation of the core network. The use of green energy has afforded Malaysia new opportunities.
The transition to renewable energy requires political support and legislation, investments and support mechanisms facilitated by the government.
Equally important is the government's support in the form of progressive policies and forward-thinking regulatory frameworks, which will be essential to the development.
This will increase the public's support for the government's dedication to the cause.
DR IZYAN MUNIRAH MOHD ZAIDEEN
Senior lecturer, Faculty of Maritime Studies
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu;
CAPTAIN MOHD FAIZAL RAMLI
EHS marine specialist in oil and gas sector
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times