Human Resources's Minister Steven Sim delivering opening remarks at the Asean Green Jobs Forum 2025 at Le Meridien hotel in Putrajaya. —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s transition to a green economy is already reshaping the labour market, with more than 120,000 related job opportunities recorded since the launch of the MyFutureJobs portal in 2020, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
He said over 30% of professional-level green jobs currently offer monthly wages exceeding RM4,000, while lower-skilled positions generally pay above RM2,000, which is more than the minimum wage.
“This reflects encouraging progress in the green job market," he said in his speech at the Asean Green Jobs Forum 2025 here on Wednesday (Aug 27).
"The green economy is no longer about individuals switching to sustainable lightbulbs or communities engaging in recycling activities.
“It is about a systemic shift in the way we think about development and finances."
Among the attendees were Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and chief operating officer Lydia Wang.
Sim stressed that investment in the green economy has far-reaching consequences.
“When the region invests in the green economy, the impact is huge.
"Money will be directed towards solving existential issues such as climate change, creating millions of green jobs, and improving lives,” he said.
He pointed to the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), launched in 2023, which aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
“These are not just documents. They are roadmaps for jobs, investment and future industries.
“Phase One of the NETR has already attracted RM25bil in combined investment, including RM2bil in government seed funding,” he said.
The minister noted that the roadmap is projected to create 300,000 jobs by 2050, many in construction, engineering, maintenance and green technology.
“Through these projects, Malaysians will be upskilled for future industries,” he added.
Citing examples of international collaboration, Sim highlighted ACWA Power’s agreement with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority to develop up to 12.5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2040, backed by an initial US$10bil (RM42.29bil) investment.
He also linked Malaysia’s green ambitions to broader regional efforts.
“In May, Asean leaders reaffirmed their commitment towards a fully integrated Asean Power Grid by 2040, covering 2,800km of transmission lines.
“This will deliver clean energy across the region. A financing facility has also been launched to support it," he said.
Sim noted that Malaysia’s green push is aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan, which targets RM611bil in investment and 1.2 million high-skill jobs over the next five years, much of these in high-technology and high-value sectors.
“A large (percentage) is likely to be green jobs,” he said.
Warning of the escalating climate crisis, Sim said Malaysia had already experienced its impact.
“We do not need to look at distant glaciers. The floods, sudden heatwaves, landslides and fluctuations in food prices are symptoms,” he said.
He added that under Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, the government would push for an Asean Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs (2025-2030) and establish a regional centre of excellence to promote investment, training and job creation in the sector.
“Asean has the potential to be a model of sustainable development. We must ensure collaboration remains at the heart of our efforts to secure a greener and fairer future,” Sim said.
