KUALA LUMPUR: The country aims to implement its National Climate Adaptation Plan (NCAP) in the second quarter of 2027, says Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.
The Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability said the plan would address climate-related risks, including recurring transboundary haze.
The NCAP would focus on water resources and coastal areas, infrastructure, food security and agriculture, public health, as well as forestry and biodiversity, he added.
He said the Federal Government was currently engaging with the Sarawak government before submitting the proposed NCAP to the Cabinet for approval.
Syed Ibrahim was replying to questions from Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee on the need for long-term climate action and stronger cooperation with Indonesia to prevent recurring haze.
“Malaysia will continue to work with Indonesia and other Asean members to prevent open burning and reduce recurring air pollution,” Syed Ibrahim said.
He added that Malaysia had offered Indonesia assistance through water-bombing operations, aircraft deployment and cloud seeding, which Indonesia agreed to on Sept 18.
Malaysia had also proposed a science diplomacy mechanism and a dedicated haze fund at an Asean ministerial meeting in Bali in July, he said.
Both proposals are being considered by the Asean Secretariat, he added.
Syed Ibrahim said Malaysia would also use its 2027 chairmanship of the relevant Asean ministerial meeting to strengthen regional cooperation and accountability in tackling transboundary haze.
Responding to a supplementary question from Pengkalan Chepa MP Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary on implementation timelines and local industry competitiveness, Syed Ibrahim said climate policies must be backed by clear legislation covering mitigation and adaptation.
“The government has introduced incentives to encourage industries to adopt more sustainable practices while ensuring local companies are not disadvantaged during the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
On the proposed carbon tax, Syed Ibrahim said it fell under the Finance Ministry’s purview, while his ministry provided technical input to align carbon-pricing measures with Malaysia’s climate commitments.
