KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will advance its green agenda through the use of legislative tools and greater transparency, an official said on Tuesday.
These among other measures include increased funding, which will not only see the country meet its goals but also do it in a sustainable way, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said in his remarks at the soft launch of International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2023).
"The Prime Minister (Anwar Ibrahim) has announced that the revised Budget 2023 will have a particular focus on the green economy. This will of course mean more work for us, but I welcome the challenge... Addressing the threats of climate change and meeting sustainability goals should not be seen as purely defensive imperatives," he said.
"The rapidly expanding green technology industry will help the country's GDP growth, resulting in more high-quality job opportunities for Malaysians. Long-term improvements in Malaysia's quality of life and environmental sustainability will result from this and contribute to the country's continued economic success," he added.
The minister said the key initiatives the ministry would focus on include the enactment of a Climate Change Act, to ensure transparency in future environmental impact assessment studies and take the lead in seeking solutions to climate change issues.
He also emphasized the need to take a comprehensive and holistic governance approach to managing the country's environment, water, energy, climate change, and natural resources in a coordinated and focused way.
"We are seeking to achieve our net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target while balancing the needs of the economy and the welfare of the people. Our goal is to identify and encourage affordable solutions that benefit the masses even in the face of economic uncertainties," he said.
IGEM 2023 will be held on Oct. 4-6 at Kuala Lumpur with the proposed theme "Race Towards Net Zero: Leadership for Climate Action."
The trade event has successfully generated about 30 billion ringgit (6.97 billion U.S. dollars) in business leads since its initiation in 2010 and has attracted attendance of over 500,000 visitors including delegates, dignitaries and companies. ■