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UEMI in Malaysia |
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Malaysia is the third largest economy in South-East Asia after Indonesia and Thailand. Over 75% of Malaysia’s 31 million inhabitants live in cities. The urban density of Malaysia is 91 inhabitants per sq. km., ranking it 116th in the world in terms of population density. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, is the most populated city with over 1.7 million inhabitants, and the metro region consists of over 7 million inhabitants. The cities following Kuala Lumpur in terms of inhabitants is George Town, the capital of Penang State, with over 700,000 inhabitants and Ipoh, the capital of Perak State, with just over 650,000 inhabitants. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the Gross Domestic Product (Purchasing Power Parity) of Malaysia is around US$1 trillion (International Monetary Fund, 2018). Malaysia is also classified as a middle-income country by the World Bank. Malaysia’s economic advent in the 1970’s was based on mining and agriculture and changed to include other sectors. Malaysia still is one of the largest exporters of palm oil, tin, and rubber. In 2013, according to an International Energy Agency’s (IEA) report, Malaysia had 207.25 Mt of CO2 emissions, which translates to about 7 tonnes of CO2/capita for that year. The CO2 emissions in Malaysia are in an increasing trend since 2005 (154.6 Mt of CO2 emissions or 6.8 metric tons per capita) (International Energy Agency, 2018; World Bank, 2018).
Malaysia aims to reduce its GHG emissions intensity by 45% of GDP by 2030 relative to the emissions intensity of its and technical capacity. Though Malaysia’s INDCs does not specifically highlight any targetsin the sectors of energy, transport and resources, its INDCs does mention energy and waste under the scope and coverage of the INDC (UNFCCC, 2015). GDP in 2005 (Ministry of International Trade and Industry, 2017). This includes 35% reduction on an unconditional basis and the remain 10% is dependent on the receipt of external support inthe form of climate finance, technology transferand capacity building from developed countries. The INDC however does not specify the area where the reduction is expected to happen. Malaysia’s INDCs commits to continue pursuing green growth goals and investing in implementation of climate change mitigation programs, in line with its national priorities. In addition, its INDCs report has evaluated that there are major barriers in technology, institutional framework Malaysia’s INDC was developed based on the following policies that are in effect in the country: • National Automotive Policy (2014) • Low Carbon Cities Framework (2011) • National Policy on Climate Change (2009) • National Green Technology Policy (2009) • National Energy Policy (2008) • National Biofuel Policy (2006) |
Policy Environment Paper - Malaysia
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This paper aims to identify policy measures in line with the United Nations’ New Urban Agenda and in the context of the respective Nationally Determined Contributions of Malaysia (MY). This paper reviews current developments to mitigate and adapt to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and focuses on national policies and implementation strategies of the Malaysian government in keeping with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015). A brief overview of Melaka’s strategies to accordingly mitigate and adapt is conducted by reviewing the sectors of transport, energy and resource sector.
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Malaysia is a federation of 13 states operating within a constitutional elective monarchy based on the Westminster parliamentary system. The head of state is its King, who is elected fromamong the nine monarchical states for a five-year term. Legislative power is divided between its federal and state legislatures. At the federal level, Malaysia’s bicameral parliament consists of the House of Representatives and its Senate. The 222 members of its House of Representatives are elected in a general election, over a fiveyears cycle. Its Senate consists of 70 senators of which 26 are elected by the state legislative assemblies, and the remaining 44 are appointed by its King on the advice of Malaysia’s Prime Minister. The term of office for each senator is three years and may only be reappointed once. The Prime Minister of Malaysia is the Head of Government, the Cabinet, and a member of the House of Representatives, and comes from the majority party in Parliament. Malaysia’s Cabinet is also chosen from members of the majority party from both Houses of Parliament and has executive powers. Generally, Malaysia’s Federal Government has overall responsibility for environmental matters, but the State Governments have jurisdiction over the management of natural resources, especially land, forestry and water.
Malaysia has been a regular participant in the UN’S Conference of Parties (COP) and the mid-sessional meetings under the UNFCCC. Its most recent participation was at the COP23 held in Bonn, Germany in November 2017. The minister for natural resources and environment, Dr Haji Wan Junaid bin Tuanku Jaafar reported during his participation at COP23 that consider- ing the progress as of 2017, Malaysia is on track to achieve its GHG emissions reduction target by 2030. Minister Jaafar also highlighted the initiatives and programs that Malaysia is implementing to achieve this target. The Green Technology Master Plan (2017-2030) would reduce 40% carbon intensity by 2020, through the implementation of Green Catalyst Projects. At the state level, the unicameral state legislative assemblies are also elected every five years. The head of government for each of the nine monarchical states is Menteri Besar, and for the four remaining states the Chief Minister. They are chosen from the majority party in their respective legislative assemblies. Local governments are administered by municipal councils, where councillors are appointed by the respective State Governments. Transport is mentioned under the energy sector of the biennial update report of Malaysia. Road transport is mentioned as one of the key sources of CO2 emissions under the energy sector, with an estimate of 41,601.95 Gg CO2 eq. contributing to 14.46% of the CO2 emissions (Malaysia, 2015). A report by the minister of natural resources and environment at the COP23 in Bonn, Germany in November 2017, showed that the launch of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) phase in Malaysia has removed 9.9 million cars in 2017. The report also mentions that a further 62-89 million cars will be removed between 2020 - 2030. The potential reduction from transport related interventions such as development and usage of energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs), using compressed natural gas in motor vehicles and rail-based public transport, has a cumulative potential emission reduction of around 1395 kt CO2 equivalent by 2020 (Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (SPAD), 2018). The 11th five-year plan for Malaysia highlights a target of 40% modal share on public transport in the Greater Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley region (GKL/KV). Malaysia’s land public trans- port commission mentions that the average daily ridership in the GKL/KV rose by 3.7% in 2017compared to 2016. The result is attributed to the expansion of the MRT in the region. Further positive results are expected once the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT). The completion of the projects will result in an increase of 136 km of rail network (Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (SPAD), 2018). |
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Melaka city is the capital of Melaka state, with a population of over 480,000 inhabitants. Melaka city has adopted the Green City Action Plan (GCAP), which targets city transformation into a low carbon city. In the GCAP, energy, transport and waste are given importance among other projects such as tourism and water management. The GCAP prioritises GHG emission reductions in the energy sector through preparing a comprehensive energy plan and implementing demonstration projects that reduce energy consumption.
As of 2017, the city has implemented over 1600 LED street lamps, Melaka city plan also aims to further save 40 to 70% of energy by using timers and motion sensors to reduce energy consumption during low activity hours. In terms of transport, the GCAP proposes to provide alternatives to motorised personal transport. The proposed interventions include a comprehensive transportation plan to prioritised public transport, convert existing public fleet to fuel-efficient vehicles. Melaka city administration has already introduced projects such as bike sharing, electric vehicles for public transport and the use of electric scooters as an alternative to conventionally fuelled scooters. Furthermore, with the support of international entities such as Institution for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the city has conducted studies to redesign streets for sustainable mobility and reduce the priority to personal cars. The GCAP proposes to put Melaka city on a “zero- waste” path and reduce the GHG emissions from the waste sector. The strategies include expansion of waste collection, segregation and increase the recycling rate. As of 2017, Melaka city has already implemented policies that ban polystyrene and plastic bags. This ban was encouraged with a large awareness campaign titled “Don’t Mess with Melaka”. Overall the GCAP for the city aligns with the Low Carbon City Framework (LCCF), and through the interventions in the GCAP, the 4 key areas (Urban Environment, buildings, Urban Infrastructure, and Urban Transport) in of the LCCF are addressed (Melaka City, 2017). |
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Melaka aims to reduce its transport related GHG emissions through the implementation of public transport and e-mobility. The city is focusing on the following: Development of traffic regulating systems
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