PUTRAJAYA: Countries should not lose sight of the challenges that climate change poses despite having to face yet other challenges brought about by the pandemic, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Prime Minister said this is because climate change is showing signs that could have long-lasting impact and threats on social well-being, economic development as well as on global health.
“The unprecedented and rapid changes due to the pandemic has indeed forced us to continuously realign the sustainability aspect that has impacted many parts of our lives,” he said at the virtual launch of the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2021 on Thursday (July 22).
The Prime Minister said that Malaysia has embarked on several initiatives to ensure sustainable development including introducing the National Green Technology Policy in 2009, which marked the country’s eco-shift from industrial national development to adopting a more sustainable economic perspective.
“Over the years, the green agenda has witnessed a succession of well received initiatives and programmes, many of which have played an instrumental role to support the growth of the green technology sector,” he said.
Another of the government’s initiatives is the MyHijau Mark and Directory programme which has prompted businesses, consumers and agencies to make sustainable purchase decisions by creating a catalogue of certified green products and services, he added.
“These are some of the initiatives offered by ministries and agencies to facilitate the transformation of the nation’s economy and to catalyse the growth of green economy over the past decade,” he said.
Muhyiddin also pointed out the establishment of the Malaysian Climate Change Action Council early this year, which aimed to chart the direction of climate change policies and actions across federal and state governments.
As a focal point of climate change, among the immediate areas of focus are the National Low Carbon Cities Master Plan (NLCCMP), Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030 and carbon pricing mechanism, he said.
“The government will continue to adopt a ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to ensure that its policies are clear and conducive for sustainable economic development.
“It is crucial that we stay agile by engaging with all industry players and stakeholders to better deliver planetary health in the long run,” he said.
