Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian ports have now taken initial steps towards the development of Green Port Policy, meant to guide port operators into becoming both environmentally-friendly and commercially-viable.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai made the announcement via a press statement Thursday after attending the third session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap) Ministerial Conference on Transport 2016, held in Moscow, Russia this week.
Environmental sustainability in the transport sector was a key focus during the conference.
“Based on three elements, namely environment, community engagement, and sustainability, the policy includes initiatives such as ballast water management, study of fuel quality of ships in ports, and environmental as well as energy, electricity and fuel saving initiatives,” said Liow.
Along with enhancing safety and security, as well as improving connectivity and infrastructure, the Green Port Policy will form a holistic and cohesive development plan which will see Malaysia transform into a competitive transportation hub in the region.
In line with the nation’s rapid transport development and deep commitment towards sustainable growth, Malaysia has pledged its support for the implementation of UNESCAP’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Towards this end, Malaysia has pledged to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45% in terms of emission intensity of GDP by 2030. These include initiatives which utilise green technology across the land, aviation as well as maritime transport sectors,” said Liow.
Under the National Automotive Policy 2014, the Government is determined to reduce energy consumption and emissions of harmful gas by encouraging the use of energy-efficient vehicles.
As for aviation, Malaysia is focused on reducing carbon emissions by 40% in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Global Market-Based Measures.
“We will also be participating in the pilot phase of ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation,” Liow added.
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