April-May, 2025 | @ green
COVER STORY 13 establishment of an ASEAN negotiation bloc within the UNF- CCC process- an unprecedented initiative aimed at articulating a cohesive regional stance in global climate discussions.
This alignment is essential as the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil, which is widely considered a crucial“ course-correcting COP”.
“ Malaysia is preparing to rise to that challenge. There is a shared global expectation that COP30 must move beyond rhetorics to real, measurable delivery. It must be inclusive, equitable, and bold.”
In anticipation of the summit, Nik Nazmi is currently preparing Malaysia’ s third Nationally Determined Contribution( NDC 3.0) to be submitted ahead of COP30.
This updated commitment will feature strengthened emissions reduction targets and be developed through whole-of-government and whole-of-society engagement. The goal, he said, is to ensure that Malaysia’ s ambitions are not only compatible with global goals but also reflect national realities and capacities.
INCLUSIVE AND COLLABO- RATIVE
On the world stage, Malaysia continues to champion the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities( CBDR-RC)- a foundational element of the Paris Agreement. According to the Minister,
“ These principles must continue to guide how ambition is pursued and how responsibilities are shared.”
He emphasised that climate action must remain fair and just, particularly for developing countries like Malaysia, which face capacity and financial constraints
�LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE: Nik Nazmi and Dr Gary Theseira in conversation at the Summit. despite mounting pressures to deliver results.
Multilateralism, too, remains central to Malaysia’ s foreign climate strategy. The Minister expressed strong support for cooperation over competition.
“ Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution- one built on cooperation rather than division,” he said.
There is an increased emphasis on international cooperation through climate partnerships and platforms, such as the Climate Club, which Malaysia joined in March 2025. This coalition aims for fair and competitive industrial decarbonisation in developing economies.
Malaysia plans to showcase its whole-of-nation approach at the Malaysia Pavilion at COP30, offering a space for dialogue, networking, and storytelling from government, civil society, youth, and industry.
ASEAN CLIMATE ACTION Within ASEAN, Malaysia is advancing regional initiatives that complement its domestic goals.
Among these is the ASEAN Common Carbon Framework, which aims to harmonise carbon credit practices among member states.
This regional alignment will bolster Malaysia’ s own National Carbon Market and support its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.
Nik Nazmi also flagged other environmental priorities during Malaysia’ s ASEAN Chairmanship, including tackling plastics pollution and transboundary haze.
On plastics, Malaysia is collaborating with financiers, technology entrepreneurs, and industry players to elevate this concern to the regional agenda.
In response to haze, the country is pushing for an upgrade to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. It is engaging in bilateral talks with Indonesia to address the issue at its source.
LOW-CARBON ECONOMY The fireside chat also addressed audience concerns, including the future of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage( CCUS).
The Minister described CCUS as vital in decarbonising heavy industries, such as steel and cement, and cited research indicating that CCUS could contribute USD 200 – 250 billion to Malaysia’ s economy over the next three decades while creating up to 200,000 high-value jobs.
The CCUS Bill, already passed by Parliament, will be implemented in conjunction with the upcoming Climate Change Bill, accompanied by subsidiary legislation to ensure proper governance, particularly for offshore CO₂ storage.
NAVIGATING GEOPOLITICS As Malaysia intensifies its commitment to climate action, it faces the challenge of a changing geopolitical landscape. Nik Nazmi highlighted the implementation of a 24 per cent tariff on Malaysian goods by the United States, pointing out that Malaysia chose a diplomatic response instead of retaliation.
“ This measured response reflects our commitment to upholding peaceful and respectful engagements, even when faced with external pressures.”
This same philosophy of balance and diplomacy extends to the country’ s climate policies. While Malaysia supports enhanced transparency measures such as Biennial Transparency Reports, it remains steadfast in defending equity.
“ The erosion of CBDR in terms of transparency reporting should not be seen as a weaken- ing of the principles of equity. It is rather an opportunity for both developed and developing countries to show leadership, trust, and ambition.”
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Nik Nazmi emphasised that developed countries must continue to be champions of equity by fulfilling their obligations regarding climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
At the same time, developing countries must continue to push for support while scaling up their climate actions in a fair and balanced manner.
In closing, he called for unity and urgency.
“ While the shift towards greater transparency may appear to lessen the distinction between developed and developing countries, it is not an erosion of equity.
“ It is a call for shared responsibility. The champions of equity must be those who consistently advocate for fairness in addressing the climate crisis.”- @ green
Malaysia ' s Climate Toolkit
At a glance, here are the key components of Malaysia ' s climate governance plan:
National Climate Change Policy 2.0: Framework for lowcarbon growth. BTR & NDC-RAP: Transparency and emissions pathways. Climate Change Bill( RUUPIN): Embeds governance and accountability. Carbon Pricing Mechanisms: ETS and carbon tax by 2026. CCUS & LT-LEDS: Decarbonising hardto-abate sectors. ASEAN Leadership: Regional carbon framework and haze cooperation. NDC 3.0: Enhanced ambition for COP30. Malaysia Pavilion @ COP30: Showcasing a whole-of-society approach.