Malaysia commits to net zero emissions by 2050

Malaysia has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, positioning itself as a responsible global player in the fight against climate change despite contributing just 0.8% of global emissions.

In a statement on Wednesday, Malaysian Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad outlined the country’s renewed climate action framework, which includes a series of ambitious goals for renewable energy adoption and carbon reduction, reported the country’s national news agency Bernama.

He said Malaysia aims to reach 31% renewable energy capacity by 2025 and 40% by 2035.

“We are determined to act, regardless of the global climate landscape, because this is the right thing to do for the future of our people and our country,” he said as quoted by the news agency.

He said the government is also advancing a number of key policies to achieve these climate goals, including the MADANI Economy framework, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, through a whole-of-government approach to achieving sustainability.

The minister said that on the regional front, Malaysia is working to establish an interconnected ASEAN energy grid, a move that will help strengthen energy security across Southeast Asia.

Additionally, with Malaysia poised to take the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, he reiterated the country’s goal of becoming a hub for green investment and creating high-skilled green jobs that will support a sustainable future for the nation.