Malaysia commits to tangible climate action and regional leadership at international forums
- nabalunews
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
12 November 2025
BELÉM, Brazil: Malaysia is actively translating its climate ambitions into reality, said Dato' Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysia. Speaking at an event in Belém, he stated, “Malaysia is not simply setting goals; it is actively translating its ambition into reality.”
He further emphasised Malaysia’s comprehensive approach, saying, “Following the introduction of the Malaysia Pavilion theme, ‘Climate Action Now: Net Zero Pathways Unlocked,’ at the recent International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2025), we have cemented our commitment in the 'whole-of-nation' approach when it comes to all thing climate. This effort goes beyond high-level declarations. It is focused on mobilising all sectors including industry, energy, communities and government, towards climate action. Ultimately, our aim is to drive tangible and transformative change that will enable Malaysia to achieve carbon neutrality and secure a sustainable and resilient economic future.”
He highlighted Malaysia’s efforts over the past year, stating, “Our focus has been on defining the ‘Shift for Sustainability’. This includes building foundational ecosystems like the National Climate Change Policy 2.0 (NCCP 2.0), NDC Roadmap and Action Plan, Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) and National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). These frameworks help transform our national targets into actionable blueprints.”
On regional cooperation, Huang said, “Beyond our local efforts, we also advanced regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, which serves as the physical infrastructure that transforms our ambitions into reality by facilitating cross-border renewable energy trade.”
He expressed confidence that Malaysia is now well-prepared to achieve its climate goals: “Having successfully established these foundational pillars, Malaysia is now holistically prepared to attain Net Zero by 2050. Through both local and international collaboration, we believe this action-oriented mission transcends geopolitics or trends. It is a matter of national responsibility and economic prudence, ensuring a secure and sustainable future for our people and nation.”
Addressing Malaysia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, Huang remarked, “In line with our commitments under the Paris Agreement, through the latest update of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), NDC 3.0 which we submitted in October 2025, Malaysia strives to peak its emissions by 2030 and intends to achieve an absolute reduction of 15–30 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (MtCO₂eq) by 2035 from the peak level. This commitment is bolstered by a range of mitigation actions that have advanced Malaysia’s progress towards its NDC targets.”
He highlighted key initiatives, including renewable energy policies, energy efficiency, public transport, biofuels, waste recycling, and sustainable forestry management. “Malaysia has set its sights on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a visionary goal that calls for strong public-private collaboration and long-term policy clarity,” he added.
Commenting on Malaysia’s economic strategies, Huang said, “The recent Budget 2026 reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to a greener and more resilient economy, with a stronger emphasis on energy transition, carbon regulation, and sustainable living to safeguard long-term security, affordability, and sustainability for the rakyat (all Malaysians).”
He announced the planned introduction of a carbon tax: “A key measure under this commitment is the planned introduction of a Carbon Tax, which serves as a critical carbon pricing instrument to incentivise the private sector and industry players to adopt low-carbon technologies, enhance energy efficiency, and integrate sustainability into their operations. Revenues generated through carbon pricing will be reinvested domestically, ensuring that the economic benefits are channelled towards national decarbonisation efforts, technological innovation, and capacity building for a sustainable and inclusive transition.”
On regional leadership, Huang highlighted Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2025: “Malaysia continues to drive leadership in sustainability. Under our Chairmanship, we hosted the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) and related meetings in Langkawi in early September, emphasising the importance of climate change cooperation amidst pressing environmental challenges.”
He noted a significant achievement from AMME-18: “ASEAN’s agreement on the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change for COP30 was a key milestone. The statement was endorsed by ASEAN Environment Ministers and will be delivered at COP30, following its formal approval at the 47th ASEAN Summit on 26 October 2025. This unified stance allows ASEAN to influence global climate action and articulate our common positions on climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, technology transfer, and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.”
Huang also mentioned Malaysia’s facilitation of regional dialogue: “During AMME-18, Malaysia facilitated a dialogue between ASEAN Environment Ministers and the COP30 President Designate, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago. This engagement successfully aligned ASEAN’s priorities with Brazil’s ‘Amazon COP’ vision, laying the groundwork for early coordination towards COP30 in Belém. As a result, we see ASEAN positioned as a united and influential voice in the global climate negotiations.”
He concluded by highlighting Malaysia’s regional and global ambitions: “Building on this momentum, the Malaysia Pavilion at COP30 will serve as an extension of this regional collaboration, highlighting both Malaysia’s national climate initiatives and ASEAN’s collective commitment to sustainability under Malaysia’s Chairmanship. Through this platform, Malaysia aims to amplify the collective voice of Southeast Asian nations, anchored on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). The Pavilion will also spotlight regional initiatives, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to domestic transformation and regional leadership, ensuring that the voices, vulnerabilities and innovations of Southeast Asian nations are effectively represented and supported on the global stage.”
